¡blissNOW! Winter 2013 by Fort Bliss Family and MWR

3 ... 2 ... 1 ... liftoff! new year | new possibilities | take flight with family and mwr winter 2013

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one world. one voice. one magazine.

WINTER 2013

VOLUME NINE • ISSUE ONE

one great staff. COMMANDING GENERAL Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard GARRISON COMMANDER Col. Brant V. Dayley FAMILY & MWR DIRECTOR Melinda S. Sorrell

BEDROOMS

ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE Anthony Lovett BUSINESS OPERATIONS Ronald Telles CHILD, YOUTH & SCHOOL SERVICES Pat Smith NAF SUPPORT MANAGER Indri O’Hara

LIVING ROOMS

DINING ROOMS COMPUTERS

GAME SYSTEMS

HP, Apple and Tablets

TELEVISIONS

Toshiba, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, LG

RECREATION & SPORTS Eric Hildreth SPECIAL EVENTS William Ketcherside ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP Monica Castillo

MARKETING ASSISTANTS Darline Goyea Rosalinda Herrera Tiffany Kurak

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Kenny Broomfield Raymond Sanchez

TIRES AND RIMS

CAR ALARMS

CAR STEREOS

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No Federal endorsement of sponsors implied

36 community acs 42 fort bliss map 44 east fort bliss map 46 directory phone numbers

WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER Heather Wilburn

OFFICE MANAGER Martina Grise

4 calendar JANUARY 6 calendar feBRUARY 10 calendar MARCH 13 recognition Family and MWR 14 feature HOW WE MET 17 community partners FORT BLISS RECYCLES 18 around mwr mystery shopper program 19 around mwr trading post 21 recognition SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT 22 clubs FOOD & FUN 26 recreation SOUTHWEST ADVENTURE 29 recreation LEISURE 30 recreation sports & fitness 34 family cyss

BlissNOW is a Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation magazine published quarterly for activities on Fort Bliss, Texas. BlissNOW is mailed to all Fort Bliss homes and George V. Underwood Golf Complex members, inserted in welcome packets, and distributed to all Family and MWR facilities, along with the Fort Bliss Commissary, Post Exchange at Freedom Crossing, IHG Army Hotels Fort Bliss and the Personnel Processing Center. Circulation: 30,000 quarterly The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Army, Department of Defense or federal government. The information in this issue is current at the time of publication; activities and events are subject to change without notice. For more information, please call the individual facilities. Family and MWR Marketing is located in Building 12, Pershing Road, Fort Bliss, TX 79916 and may be reached by calling (915) 568-6741.

www.blissmwr.com

Family & MWR Director’s Comments The New Year is upon us, and it brings with it new beginnings and new possibilities. Many of us make New Year’s resolutions to get fit, go back to school, develop new skills and try new things. At Family and MWR, we’re here to help make those resolutions a reality. Are you looking to shape up in 2013? Team Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics can help. They offer everything from personal trainers to group fitness classes to runs and sports leagues. Kick off the year with a challenge and take on the Fort Bliss Half Marathon in January, or join the Cycle Across America program and cover the distance from Fort Drum, N.Y., to Naval Base San Diego, Calif., in 20 weeks. Maybe you’re looking to add a little adventure to your life? Check out Southwest Adventure, Fort Bliss’ outdoor recreation experts. They’ll take you skiing, rock climbing, snow shoeing, hiking and more. Don’t worry if you’re a newbie to adventure sports – all ages and ability levels are welcome on most of their outings. These guys just want to get you outdoors – and you’ll have a great time once you’re there. If you’re thinking of adding some romance to your relationship, don’t miss “A Night of Elegance” and free ballroom dance lessons at the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club. Learn a few steps to use just in time for Valentine’s Day, and take your someone special to the Wine and Dinner Pairing at the Centennial. Speaking of romance, turn to Page 14 of this issue and enjoy the stories our readers shared for ¡blissNOW! How We Met Contest. Army Community Service can assist you in meeting many of your resolutions. Whether you need to find a job, get your finances in order or develop life skills – or you just want to give back to the community – ACS is the place for you. Their many programs, including Employment Readiness, Financial Readiness, Family Advocacy and the Army Volunteer Corps, are here to help. See you out there! Melinda Sorrell

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Do you have talent? Now’s your chance to show Fort Bliss what you can do – auditions for the award-winning Fort Bliss’ Got Talent will be held at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center January 9 and January 16 at 5 p.m. each night. Auditions are first-come, first-served. All talents are welcome. If you can sing, dance, play an instrument or juggle ... Fort Bliss’ Got Talent is the competition for you. The show is open to active-duty, Guard and Reserve members of any branch of service, retirees, family members 16 years of age and older with military ID, and DoD civilians. Don’t forget: You’re competing for cash! First place takes home $500, second place wins $250 and third earns $100. For complete rules and eligibility information, visit blissmwr.com. The Centennial is located at Bldg. 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss. To learn more, call (915) 588-8247.

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Tower Day January 5 • 10am-4:30pm • Tango Tower, Biggs Park Bouldering January 6 • Hueco Tanks State Park + Historic Site Fort Bliss’ Got Talent Auditions January 9 • 5pm • Centennial Fort Bliss Half-Marathon January 12 • 8am • Soto Gym New Year, New You Health + Fitness Fair January 12 • 9am • Soto Gym Skiing + Snowboarding with Southwest Adventure January 12 • Ski Apache, Mesalero, N.M. Cycle Across America Begins January 14 • Stout and Soto Gym Commander’s Cup Basketball League Begins January 16 • Soto Gym Fort Bliss’ Got Talent Auditions January 16 • 5pm • Centennial Women’s Basketball League Begins photos by heather wilburn \\ family and mwr marketing

Tower Day at Tango Tower Do you have what it takes to conquer the Tango Tower? You won’t know until you try, and Tower Day is the perfect time to give it a shot. From 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, January 5, enjoy unlimited use of Tango Tower – morning or afternoon ticket – for just $6 per person. The Tango Tower is a 50-foot-tall, six-sided structure with more than 20 different high elements, giving participants a multitude of choices. On Tower Day, there are no age restrictions and no reservations are required. All needed equipment is provided. Biggs Park is located at 11388 Sergeant Major Blvd. on East Fort Bliss. For more information, call (915) 7441532.

5 southwest adventure photo

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calendar JANUARY

Fort Bliss’ Got Talent Auditions

January 17 • Soto Gym Midnight Laser Tag (Ages 16+) January 17 • 9pm • Soto Gym “A Night of Elegance” Ballroom Dancing Lessons January 18 • 6-9pm • Rod and Gun Club Bouldering January 19 • Hueco Tanks State Park + Historic Site Family and MWR/Garrison Golf Scramble

Golf Scramble

team bliss sports, fitness and aquatics

Get into the swing of things at the Family and MWR/Garrison Golf Scramble Friday, January 25 at Underwood Golf Complex. Play begins with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. on the Sunset Course. This four-person scramble is open to all – no club membership is required! Registration costs $40 per player and includes cart rental, green fees, range balls and lunch. Underwood Golf Complex is located at 3200 Coe Ave. in the Logan Heights housing area. For information, visit blissmwr. com/golf or call (915) 568-1059.

www.blissmwr.com

January 25 • 9am • Underwood Golf Complex Skiing + Snowboarding with Southwest Adventure January 26 • Ski Apache, Mescalero, N.M. Snowshoeing Day Hike with Southwest Adventure January 26 • Location TBD by snowfall

facebook.com/blissmwr

www.blissmwr.com

Fort Bliss Half-Marathon

team bliss sports, fitness and aquatics

Challenge yourself with the 2013 Fort Bliss Half-Marathon! The race takes place at 8 a.m. Saturday, January 12 at Soto Gym on East Fort Bliss. The 2013 Fort Bliss HalfMarathon is open to all, including the El Paso community. Early registration ends January 9 and is free for active-duty military and $35 per runner for all other runners. Register in person at Stout or Soto gyms, or online at active.com. Late registration costs an additional $10 for all runners,

including active-duty. Late registration and packet pickup will be held at Soto Gym from 5-7 p.m. January 11 and 6-7:30 a.m. the day of the event. Shirts are guaranteed for the first 300 runners registered; the first 100 are guaranteed sizes. All finishers will receive medals. Soto Gym is located at Bldg. 20751 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss. For more information, visit blissmwr.com/intramurals or call (915) 744-5790.

‘A Night of Elegance’

Enjoy a romantic night under the stars during “A Night of Elegance” at the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club. From 6-9 p.m. Friday, January 18, take advantage of free ballroom dance lessons by the fire on the Rod and Gun Club’s patio. Warm up with great food and drink specials. Casual dress and

comfortable shoes are recommended. The event is open to all – no club membership is required. The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club is located at Bldg. 3730 Roy Johnson Lane in northeast El Paso. For more information, call (915) 565-4867.

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Black History Month Specials

Throughout February • Desert Strike Lanes BIGG Laser Tag February 1 • 5pm • Biggs Park Skiing + Snowboarding with Southwest Adventure February 2 • Ski Apache, Mescalero, N.M. Snowshoeing Day Hike February 2 • Location TBD by snowfall 2nd Annual Casino Night (All Youth Ages 11-18 Invited) February 2 • 6-8pm • Milam Youth Activity Center Super Bowl Party

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Watch the brightest stars on Fort Bliss shine during Fort Bliss’ Got Talent, winner of the Army Festival of the Arts’ best variety entertainment production. Fort Bliss’ Got Talent is a four-week-long competition showcasing some of the installation’s best performers, every Wednesday in February. At 6 p.m. February 6, February 13, February 20 and February 27, the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center will host fierce competition as our performers battle for the $500 grand prize. The contest is open to all activeduty, Reserve and Guard service members from any branch of service; retirees; dependents age 16 and older with valid military ID; and

February 3 • 11am • Desert Strike Lanes Commander’s Cup Bowling League Begins February 4 • Desert Strike Lanes Fort Bliss’ Got Talent February 6 • 6pm • Centennial

DoD civilians. Auditions will be held at 5 p.m. January 9 and January 16 at the Centennial. The audience is just as important as the talent in this competition; while each week’s performances will be evaluated by guest judges, the audience plays an integral role because their votes have the power to influence the outcome. Military units also have the chance to win: The unit with the most participation over all four weeks will win a $250 unit spirit award. The Centennial Banquet and Conference Center is located at Bldg. 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss For more information, call (915) 588-8247 or visit blissmwr.com.

Border Rumble Boxing Smoker February 7 • 6pm • Stout Gym Tower Day February 9 • 10am-4:30pm • Tango Tower, Biggs Park Mardi Gras Party February 9 • 6pm • Desert Strike Lanes AFTB First Sergeant/Company Command Spouse Seminar February 12-13 • 9am-2:30pm • Pre-register at 569-5500 Fort Bliss’ Got Talent February 13 • 6pm • Centennial Fort Bliss Hiring Fair February 14 • 9am-1pm • Centennial Midnight Laser Tag February 14 • 9pm • Soto Gym Colorado Ski Trip with Southwest Adventure February 15-18 • Wolf Creek, Colo. Hueco Rock Rodeo Climbing Competition February 15 • Hueco Tanks State Park + Historic Site Valentine’s Day Wine + Dinner Pairing February 15 • 7pm • Centennial 3rd Annual Valentine’s Dance (All Youth Ages 11-18 Invited) February 16 • 7-10pm • Milam Youth Activity Center AFTB First Sergeant/Company Command Spouse Seminar February 19-21 • 6-9pm • Pre-register at 569-5500 Fort Bliss’ Got Talent February 20 • 6pm • Centennial Chili Cook-Off February 20 • 6pm • Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club 5k Post Championship Run February 22 • 6:30am • Soto Gym MWR/Garrison Golf Scramble February 22 • 9am • Underwood Golf Complex Fort Bliss’ Got Talent

6 • Winter 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

www.blissmwr.com

February 27 • 6pm • Centennial

Wine + Dinner Pairing

Treat your palate to a world of flavor at the Centennial’s Wine and Dinner Pairing at 7 p.m. Friday, Feburary 15. Dine on a carefully planned five-course dinner and enjoy each course with a wine specially chosen to complement and enhance the dish. Our intimate atmosphere makes it possible to treat your someone special to a romantic evening, complete with a DJ The Centennial is located at Bldg. 11199 Sgt. E. playing your favorite Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss. For more informatunes and plenty of tion, visit blissmwr.com/centennial or call (915) room for dancing. 744-1171.

Super Bowl Party

calendar FEBRUARY

februaryevents

Win a 40” Sony LCD TV!

You don’t have to head to New Orleans to enjoy Super Bowl 47 ... you can watch it live from the comfort of Strike Lounge in Desert Strike Lanes! Join the fun Sunday, February 3 when doors open at 11 a.m. Kickoff is at 5:30 p.m. Cheer on your favorite team, and don’t miss the drawing for a 40” Sony LCD TV. Take advantage of $1 12-ounce domestic drafts and other great food and beverage specials. Desert Strike Lanes is located at Bldg. 2949 Carter Road on Fort Bliss. To learn more, visit blissmwr.com/bowling or call Desert Strike Lanes (915) 568-6272.

Fort Bliss Hiring Fair The Employment Readiness Program at Army Community Service will host the Fort Bliss Hiring Fair from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, February 14 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center. The fair is open to active-duty military, family members, retirees and DoD/DA

ID card holders only. Guests must present a military ID card to participate. The Centennial is located at Bldg. 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss. For information, visit blissmwr. com/erp or call (915) 569-5838.

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Saturday, April 6 Doors open at 12pm Games start at 2pm Tickets on sale March 16 during Super Saturday Bingo Advance tickets: $75 paper pack $175 paper/electronic combo At the door: $100 paper pack $200 paper/electronic combo *Must have a minimum of 50 participants ages 18+ to play or game will be canceled with full refunds.

Ours was earned in Iraq. By our mom. Yahira & Aiyanna S., future USAA members 10 chances to win $1,000 or more All games pay out at least $500

A 2013 KIA USAA Auto Insurance. Earned once. Cherished from generation to generation. At USAA, our commitment to serve military members, veterans who have honorably served and their families is without equal. In fact, families regard USAA Auto Insurance so highly, 95% of USAA members plan to remain with USAA for life.1

Begin your legacy. Get a quote. usaa.com/insurance | 800-531-3550

courtesy of

blissmwr.com

Bldg. 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. East Fort Bliss - 744-1171

*Sponsorship does not imply Army endorsement

Based on 2010 Member Communications Trend Survey. Use of the term “member” does not convey any legal, ownership or eligibility rights for property and casualty insurance products. Ownership rights are limited to eligible policyholders of United Services Automobile Association. The term “honorably served” applies to officers and enlisted personnel who served on active duty, in the Selected Reserve or in the National Guard and have a discharge type of “Honorable.” Eligibility may change based on factors such as marital status, rank or military status. Contact us to update your records. Adult children of USAA members are eligible to purchase auto or property insurance if their eligible parent purchases USAA auto or property insurance. Automobile insurance provided by United Services Automobile Association, USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company, USAA County Mutual Insurance Company, San Antonio, TX, and is available only to persons eligible for P&C group membership. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products. © 2012 USAA. 139271-0912

We’re laying out a warm welcome for the Easter Bunny with the Easter-avaganza Holiday Parade Saturday, March 30. The fun runs from noon-4 p.m. at Biggs Park on East Fort Bliss. This year’s theme is Fairy Tale Fun. Meet some of your favorite fairy tale characters in person, and take part in the Easter parade with decorated strollers, bikes, scooters, wagons and more ... the sky is the limit, as long as your vehicle is non-motorized. The parade starts at noon at the front of Biggs Park and will follow a route that is approximately one mile long. Please arrive by 11:45 a.m. to line up for the parade. Parade pre-registration is encouraged. Register online at www.blissmwr. com/easter. Once you’re in the park, enjoy free photos with the Easter

BIGG Laser Tag March 1 • 5pm • Biggs Park Spring Open Softball League Begins March 2 • Omar Bradley Softball Complex Rock Cllimbing with Southwest Adventure

Easter Brunch

March 2 • Rough and Ready Hills Range, N.M. Horse Camp March 11-15 • Milam Youth Activity Center Midnight Laser Tag March 14 • 9pm • Soto Gym Easter Egg Hunt

Bunny. Get creative and have fun with games and crafts presented by Fort Bliss family readiness groups – all proceeds raised will benefit the FRGs’ unit funds. Take advantage of the beautiful spring weather and pack up your picnic basket for a family picnic! There will also be food and beverage vendors on hand. Coolers, picnic baskets, lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. Pets, glass containers and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Biggs Park is located at 11388 Sgt. Major Blvd. on East Fort Bliss. For more information, visit blissmwr.com/ easter or call (915) 588-8247.

March 15 • 6:30pm • Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club AFTB Basket Bingo March 15 • 6:pm • Army Community Service Women’s Volleyball League Begins March 16 • Biggs Gym Guadalupe Peak Hike with Southwest Adventure March 16 • Guadalupe Mountains National Park St. Patty’s Day 6-Mile Run March 16 • 8am • Soto Gym St. Patrick’s Day Party March 16 • 6pm • Desert Strike Lanes Adventure Camp March 18-22 • Milam Youth Activity Center Tower Day March 23 • 10am-4:30pm • Tango Tower, Biggs Park Commander’s Cup Soccer League Begins March 25 • Soto Field Open Flag Football League Begins March 28 • Omar Bradley Complex Family and MWR/Garrison Golf Scramble

Enjoy a festive holiday feast with the Centennial’s Easter brunch Sunday, March 31. An amazing dining experience awaits, along with an opportunity for photos with the Easter Bunny. Enjoy complimentary wine, champagne or mimosas while you dine on our selection of festive holiday fare, including your favorite breakfast and lunch classics, an omelette bar, a carving station and an endless array of luscious desserts. Seatings run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations are required. Brunch costs $18.95 for adults, and $9.50 for children ages 5-10. Children ages 4 and under dine free. The Centennial Banquet and Conference Center is located at Bldg. 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss. For reservations, call (915) 744-1171.

Easter Egg Hunt Hop on down to the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club for some good oldfashioned Easter fun Friday, March 15 ... the Rod and Gun Club’s Easter egg hunt has returned! Don’t miss egg dyeing, face painting and, of course, an Easter egg hunt! The event is free and open to the public.

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Fairy Tale Fun!

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The Rod and Gun Club will offer food and beverage for purchase, along with cotton candy and other treats. The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club is located at Bldg. 3730 Roy Johnson Lane in northeast El Paso. For more information, visit blissmwr.com/rodandgun or call (915) 565-4867.

March 29 • 9am • Underwood Golf Complex

Milam YAC Spring Break Camps

Easter Extravaganza: Fairy Tale Fun March 30 • noon-4pm • Biggs Park Easter Brunch March 31 • 10am-1pm • Centennial

AFTB Basket Bingo

15 10 • Winter 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

Have fun and take a chance at winning beautiful Longaberger baskets while you help raise money for a great cause, all at the same time: AFTB Basket Bingo is back! Basket Bingo is tentatively set to take place Friday, March 15 at Army Community Service. Doors open at 5 p.m. and games begin at 6 p.m.

www.blissmwr.com

Tickets cost $15 in advance and are available until capacity is reached. Bingo winners receive Longaberger baskets filled with fabulous gifts; drawings and door prizes for other items will also take place. Proceeds benefit the AFTB child care and incentive program. Army Community Service is located at Bldg. 2494 Ricker Road on Fort Bliss. To learn more, visit blissmwr.com/ aftb or call (915) 569-5500.

In March, Milam Youth Activity Center will offer two weeks of spring break camps. March 11-15, Horse Camp is offered for Socorro ISD students on intercession. March 18-22 will bring Adventure Camp, with lots of outdoor games, hikes and adventures. Fees for both camps are based on total family income. Milam YAC is located at Bldg. 10960 Haan Road on East Fort Bliss. Visit blissmwr.com/mst or call (915) 744-2449 for fee structure and other information.

¡blissNOW! • Winter 2013 • 11

Advent

winter sunshine. El Paso heats up with tdoors or spend quality ou t ea gr e th in lf se Challenge your ybody. e’s something for ever time with family – ther

MWR

OUTDOORS

CIRCLE AWARD

El Paso Puzzler Endurance Weekend Conquer the largest urban state park in North America, where 6,200 feet of climbing, single-track terrain — a 50-mile course, 35-mile course and a 13-mile fun ride — are waiting to be tackled!

January 19–20 • Bowen Ranch Round House

21st Annual Komen Race for the Cure Join the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® as they raise funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, and honor those who have lost their battle with the disease.

February 17 • Cohen Stadium

7th Annual Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon Push the limits at the 7th Annual Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon as you traverse the scenic course and battle a net elevation drop of 1,584 feet.

February 24 • Transmountain Road

ARTS & CULTURE Showtime! El Paso presents: “Masters of Motown” “Masters of Motown” re-creates one of the greatest times in musical history with the entire Motor City experience. Don’t miss this live performance, with electric tunes and performers rocking all the classics.

January 20 • Abraham Chavez Theatre

Cirque du Soleil: Quidam Be dazzled by the vibrant presentation of young Zoé and the international cast of 52 world-class acrobats, musicians, singers and characters as they bring the dream world of Quidam to life.

January 23–27 • Don Haskins Center

Siglo de Oro Drama Festival Enjoy a reflective look at literary masters from Spain’s Golden Age, in both English and Spanish, as members from all over the world showcase classics that have influenced our culture and heritage.

March 6–10 • Chamizal National Memorial

FOR KIDS Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam Roar into a colossal night of family entertainment as larger-than-life road beasts descend on Sun Bowl Stadium for a night of metal mashing and more!

March 2–3 • Sun Bowl

Downtown KidsPalooza Bring the whole family out for a dynamic day of arts and fun as the sixth annual KidsPalooza takes over El Paso. Concerts, games and workshops are featured throughout Downtown — and free transportation to a variety of stops in the area makes travel in between a breeze.

March 16 • Arts Festival Plaza/Cleveland Square

Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

The saying, “good help is hard to find,” is not always the case when you have folks like Lesly “Mike” Emile. Born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Mike moved to Bronx, N.Y., with his family in 1971. After graduating from high school, Mike wanted to do something different and get out of New York. He set his focus on joining the military and making changes wherever he was led. Mike has been an employee of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation for 20 years. After retiring from the United States Army in June 1992 and starting with Family and MWR that same month, he knew El Paso—and Family and MWR – were meant to be home. Emile started his Family and MWR career with the Underwood Golf Complex as a maintenance employee. Three years later, Emile found his passion working with the youth at the YouthPlex. Emile dedicated nine years to Youth Services, starting at maintenance and working his way up to sports director. “I really enjoyed working with the kids,” said Emile. “They made the day go by faster and made it more enjoyable.” In 1999, Mike was awarded the General Omar Bradley Employee of the Year Award for his dedication and hard work within Youth Services. Proving himself, Mike shifted his energy and worked his way up to management. He moved from maintenance, then spent a year as assistant director at Stout Physical Fitness Center. Mike then served as interim assistant manager at Milam PFC for two years—which eventually led to his current position as manager of Biggs PFC. Emile also lends his services to being a volunteer coach and a Family and MWR Special Events host. “Mike Emile is a committed and dedicated member of the Family and MWR team. He is always at the ready to support whatever activities, programs or special events that need additional support,” said Bill Ketcherside, program manager for special events. For that, Mike deserves some time in the spotlight.

www.blissmwr.com

Winner’s Circle Employees go above and beyond

Each quarter, Family and MWR holds the Winner’s Circle award ceremony to recognize employees who have gone above and beyond to provide excellent service for the Soldiers, families, retirees and civilians we serve. Winner’s Circle is a directorate-level incentive awards program primarily designed to recognize outstanding customer service and teamwork by Family and MWR staff members. Each quarter, staff members are nominated by their peers, patrons of Family and MWR or outside agencies, or are identified by name in an ICE comment. Once a year, an individual who reflects greatness is selected by our director, Melinda S. Sorrell. This year, Sorrell elected to name Frederick Ozyp of the Property Book Office as the recipient of the Director’s Award. Ozyp’s dedication and attention to detail have greatly improved property accountability. At the end of the year, informal leaders who contribute to the organization are awarded the “Role Model” award. These staff members coach and motivate employees, help develop a people-oriented work environment and demonstrate selfless service, care and concern for others. jennifer finona NAF Support Services mary helen barrientes Army Community Service rosalinda herrera Business Operations Division donna williams Child, Youth and School Services elvira franco Community Recreation Division The following staff members are “Commitment to Excellence” winners for routinely going above and beyond to provide exceptional service to internal and external customers. A maximum of 20 are selected each quarter. 4th quarter 2012 james hamilton isaac pepper fatu tauanuu rachel arizaga wendy foxx ana hernandez michelle hernandez rosa telly antonio lopez rubin padilla cecilia mendoza salvador trevino leonard foleen ella kellum jesus ortiz belinda jones tracy broomfield jose ibarguen

FAMILY and MWR

Epicure

MWR

recognition

Franklin Mountains State Park

patricia powe ruth nero martina grise colleen foleen lisa hensen pete frantz leticia verdon The “Effective Team” award is given to recognize the accomplishments of team who work together in harmony to produce outstanding results. The selection committee decided that the teams below are well deserving of the award. 4th quarter 2012 biggs gym Mercedes Colley, Ivan Farah, Crystal Flores, Sonia Flores, Ivy Jones, Tiffany Kelly, Johao Laboy employment readiness and workforce solutions Teodoro Riveraresto, Deana Garcia, Ella Kellum, Jessica Carbajal, Maria Marshall, Eileen McCormick

To nominate a Family and MWR employee for a Winner’s Circle award, contact Melinda Scott at (915) 568-3500. To submit a compliment or suggestion for improvement for any Family and MWR program, check out the ICE system at ice.disa.mil.

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How We Met Contest How did you meet the love of your life? We asked, and you told us! In honor of Valentine’s Day, Family and MWR held the first ¡blissNOW! How We Met Contest. Here, you’ll find the stories our staff picked as their favorites. Our winner, Christianna Suarez, received two tickets to the romantic Valentine’s Day Wine + Dinner Pairing at the Centennial. Take a look, read the stories ... and share the love!

Winner! Christianna Suarez and Wilfredo Suarez

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It was a beautiful July day in Colorado Springs and I was sitting in the house doing some college homework. My mom came and asked if I wanted to run to Wal-Mart with her, but I explained that I would not be able to because I was still working on assignments. She showed her surprise on her face, knowing how rare it was for me not to have it done ahead of time. When I finally finished my assignments I had about three hours before my first class so I asked my mom if she still needed or wanted to go to Wal-Mart. I decided to drive and we when we arrived my mom smacked me on the arm and yelled, “Look at him! He is good looking!” So, I do as I am told and I look! I look really hard – so hard I stop the car in the middle of the street to watch him walk by to get to his vehicle. Now, I will say, if this was my husband writing this story he would vary on this part, claiming I tried to run him over ... that’s just not the case. When I realized what I had done, I felt embarrassed. I parked and got out quickly and yelled to my mom how I could not believe I had done that. As we were walking to the entrance of Wal-Mart we see him pushing the cart ALL the way back up to the store. My mother quickly whispers in my ear, “Now you know he is only bringing that up here so he can check you out!” I laughed and said, “Mom, shhhhh!” As we walked past, I looked at him and said hi, only to be answered by mere silence. He didn’t say a word! Nothing at all, just looked at me as I walked by. When my mom and I entered Wal-Mart, she looked at me and said, “He will either wait for you, come back in here after you, or he will leave a note on your car.” I laughed and was like, “Yeah, whatever Mom.” We finished up our shopping and we left the store. As we were getting in the vehicle my mom screams, “Look!” and sure enough there was a note on my car! The note read, ”Just wanted you to know that you are beautiful. Have a nice evening, Suarez.” Needless to say I went to school that night high on life. I called him the next day and we have been together ever since. So now my mom says, “See, I guess you really can get everything at Wal-Mart!”

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Denise Puente and Mario Puente At 13 years old I would frequently walk across the street from my home to watch my friend’s baseball games and practices. However, one day in the summer of 1999, my life changed: I went to watch my friend’s practice and one boy was going up to bat, a boy I had never noticed before. He caught my attention because he was always whistling and smiling. On this day as he went up to bat he was whistling the theme from Titanic: “My Heart Will Go On.” It made me both smile and laugh. He literally stole my heart at that moment. My friend introduced us and we became fast friends. Unfortunately for me, he already had a girlfriend. He be-

came my best friend and even came to me for relationship advice, not knowing I was in love with him. I started high school and who happened to also attend that high school? The boy I knew one day would be my husband! As fall went on he started having feelings for me as well. His relationship had ended and we were spending more time together. Finally on November 12, 1999, after school he asked me to be his girlfriend. My smile went from ear to ear and we shared our first kiss. We’ve been through two deployments, countless months apart, three duty stations and six years of marital bliss. We have a son, two dogs and a baby on the way! True high school sweethearts and soulmates!

Lisa Billeck and Jon Billeck

Jon and I met eight years ago over the love of cars. We were neighbors in an apartment complex and I had a heavily modified truck I would drag race, and he had an equally modified car he would auto cross with. As I was sitting on top of my engine with my feet on the headers so I could clean the back of it, he came sliding around the parking lot corner sideways like he was in Fast and the Furious. I proceeded to roll my eyes and go back to cleaning. He came over to introduce himself. I groaned thinking he was another arrogant guy trying to help a girl with a car. Instead he was more interested in all the modifications I had done to my truck and how it had that slow muscle car rumble. Boy, did that get my attention and quick. After comparing our cars, both on and off the track, we were pretty much hooked with each other. I completely stomped him on the drag strip, but he left me in the dust on the auto cross course. We still have our toys, a little boy, and a girl on the way. I couldn’t ask for a better husband, father, or a more fun competitor.

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¡blissNOW! • Winter 2013 • 15

Michelle Crenshaw and Bruce Crenshaw

A friend of mine, a military spouse at the time, called to invite me and my youngest daughter to an Independence Day celebration at Fort Leonard Wood on July 3, 2004; the band Montgomery Gentry would be playing and there would be fireworks afterward. I agreed to go, not knowing that night would change my life forever. I arrived at my friend’s house and there were about eight of us going. We rode up in my friend’s car to the concert area. The kids played outside on bounce houses and games while the adults stood in line to get into the concert. I happened to stand with a buddy of my friend’s husband, and we struck up a conversation. I can remember thinking how handsome I thought he was, but I had decided – being recently divorced – I had no interest what so ever in dating or a relationship. As we stood there and began to talk, we didn’t stick to the normal mundane small talk. We began to talk about the big things in life, the important stuff: family, work, where we saw ourselves in 10 years. He told me how he had just lost his beloved grandmother, who raised him, to cancer in May of that year, and that he had lost a close cousin in a car accident a few months before that. I in turn told him about my grandmother’s passing the February before. We talked about our children and what we wanted in life. It was definitely not small talk. As the evening progressed, we talked more and more and a spark began. At the end of the night he asked for my phone number. I told him no. I had decided that as handsome as he was, as much as I was feeling a connection, I had said no relationships and that was that. I would later learn he went home that night dejected. A couple weeks went by and I could not get him out of my head; I kept replaying that night and seeing his handsome face. I gave in and called his buddy Tom, and had him pass along my phone number. He called and we went on our first date on July 17, 2004. We went to dinner, out to play pool and then rented a movie and drove to my place to watch it. By 4 a.m. we had finally finished our date, and I told him he could either drive me back to town to get my car, or sleep on my couch. He opted for the couch. The next day we went and ate a late breakfast and spent the day together and ultimately had another date night, and it continued on this way, him sleeping on my couch,

16 • Winter 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

Monica Pena and Jesus Pena

This is my husband and I 20 pounds lighter, haha! We actually went to elementary together. Then, in junior high in our hometown, we dated for a whole week. Honestly, I did not remember. However, my husband reminded me for the longest time how he would meet me in a class to walk me to the next, then after school walk me home. Well, we ended up going to different high schools. A good eight years passed. We had our own lives. He was in the process of a divorce and in the Army, and I was a single college parent at the time. I found him on MySpace! (I think of that and I think how old we are getting.) Anyway, we started talking and he was in stationed in Germany at the time. His divorce finalized and we were, of course, timid to just jump into a long distance relation because of our pasts. However, we could not help it. I would come home right from school and get on the webcam. He would be on from night to morning his time. He never got sleep! Then out of nowhere on webcam – and I’m getting goose-

bumps thinking about it, all teary eyed – he just said, “Hey, let’s just get married. Seriously, I can be down there in a month!” And in a month was the first time we were together, in person, after about 8.5 years. He came down the airport escalator and we just started crying, holding each other, and he told me, “I love you.” It was amazing! The picture ... We have been married for fourand-a-half years now. My mother was getting out my stuff from junior high and high school that I kept at her house, so I could either throw away or keep because we are fixing to move to Okinawa. She tells me, “Hey, here’s one of your boyfriends from junior high,” and hands me the picture. I look at it and I am like, “MOM ... this is Jesus and I in junior high. Now I remember he did walk me from class to class!” My husband just looks and replies, “I told you, you were always seen with my sexy self!” It was like memories that were faded came back in just one second. I say cherish your memories and your past, even if it was bad, because at one point it was amazing. People only remember the bad and never the good. We did go through a lot of negative, but this moment in the picture is priceless, because in the end we have a family. We have a past together and our future.

Santina Goodman and Jordan Goodman

Jordan and I are both Army brats, born and raised, and actually originally met by pure chance in eighth grade when both of our fathers were stationed at Ft. Benning, Ga. We rode the bus to school together and talked sometimes, but didn’t really get to know each other that well. Over 4 years later, during my first semester in college, we found each other on Facebook through mutual friends. We began to talk about football one day, specifically in regards to our least favorite team, and that just led into talking about anything and everything. Facebook lead to texting, calling, and Skyping every day. We talked constantly. Finally, summer came and I got to fly from New York to California to see him. It was a huge chance and he and I were both nervous to see if everything would still feel the same in person as it did online, but once I stepped off that plane and ran to meet him, we both knew it was perfection. Two years and one month later, through him joining the military while I finished my degree and all that came with those things, we got married, and now we’re finally getting to start on our road to happily ever after.

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Trash to cash

Recycling generates revenue for Fort Bliss community plastic bags), flattened cardboard, plastics excludHow do you turn aluing Styrofoam, and alumiminum cans into a stage? num and tin cans must be How can you change recycled in the blue recyplastic bottles into a train? cling containers. Fort Bliss Through recycling! collects many other recyIn 2012, Fort Bliss’ Qualclables that generate revified Recycling Program enue toward the recycling generated $1 million in goal; however, the largest funding, and that money amounts come from brass went straight to Family casings turned in by units and MWR to help improve following their trainings quality of life for the Fort on the ranges. Bliss community. While the $1 million It all started years ago, check may have been the when Lilia Lenhart, the biggest payout so far, it’s Solid Waste and Recycling not the first time the RecyProgram manager for the cling Program and Family Environmental Division and MWR have worked at Fort Bliss’ Directorate together. of Public Works, assumed “Family and MWR and responsibility for the Recythe Recycling Program cling Center in 2004. Then, have always worked in she had a vision to give partnership to provide the Soldiers a “really large environmental programs check.” When Maj. Gen. that improve the qualDana J.H. Pittard, Fort ity of life for the Fort Bliss Bliss’ commanding gencommunity,” Lenhart exeral, arrived at Fort Bliss, plained. In fact, helping he set a goal of raising $1 fund Family and MWR is million through recycling one of three authorized to benefit Soldiers and uses for proceeds generfamilies. ated through a QRP. Together, Lenhart and Revenue generated by the Fort Bliss Qualified Recycling Program – to the tune of $1 Look around Fort Bliss, Pittard worked to meet million – has helped fund Family and MWR projects including a portable stage, the and chances are you’ll see that goal, and made that Recycling Railroad, and a host of other initiatives. the results. Some of the vision a reality. During a projects funded through symbolic check presentation November 27, the Recycling Pro- the recycling revenue include a new portable stage for Family gram presented Pittard with the $1 million raised through re- and MWR events, indoor cycles at Stout Gym, a skate park for cycling – revenue that will benefit the Fort Bliss community Soldiers (coming soon to East Fort Bliss), and resurfaced playthrough Family and MWR programs. grounds and outdoor exercise equipment at Biggs Park. Don’t But the work is not over – not by a long shot. On the same forget the incredibly popular Recycling Railroad – this miniaday, Pittard declared a new goal, and set the bar even higher: In ture train is used at Family and MWR events to entertain youth 2013, the QRP will raise $1.5 million through recycling. Where and encourage them to be Recycle Heroes. will that additional $500,000 come from? We can all be Recycle Heroes, Lenhart noted, and benefit the “The community can contribute by doing their part to recycle Fort Bliss community. right and recycle more,” Lenhart said. “In 2011, Fort Bliss placed “The Fort Bliss Recycling Program is a national- and state$270,000 worth of recyclables in the brown garbage dumpsters. award-winning program as a results of those who choose to be “If we recycle all that we generate in the blue recycling con- a Recycle Hero and recycle right, here at Fort Bliss,” she said. tainers and leave the brown containers for trash only, we will “The more the community recycles, the more quality-of-life be well on our way to meeting our commanding general’s new projects, programs and activities will be provided for the comrecycling goal,” she continued. “We have made recycling easy munity through Family and MWR. for the community – there’s no sorting. All paper, plastic, alu“Everyone can be a Recycle Hero and contribute to the $1.5 minum and tin go in one blue container.” million recycling goal,” she continued. “Just drop it in the blue, All recyclables, including paper, shredded paper (in clear and watch it turn to green.”

Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

community PARTNERS

How We Met Contest

ultimately our first date just never ended ... at least not until October, when he had to PCS to Korea. We decided we would do the long distance thing and see how that worked. We wrote letters, talked via webcam and phone and by my birthday in November, he proposed marriage via webcam, and I said yes. I received my engagement ring by FedEx at his parents on Christmas day in front of his entire family and him, again via webcam. We started to plan our wedding for his mid-tour leave in March 2005 we were married on our favorite holiday, St. Patrick’s Day. We spent our first night as husband and wife in Houston, Texas, at the rodeo, seeing – of all people – the band Montgomery Gentry. We figured it fit, since we met at their concert the year before.We honeymooned on Galveston Island and he flew back to Korea to finish the rest of his year-long unaccompanied tour. I was able to fly over mid summer and spend a month in Korea with him. Since we met, we have endured separations, multiple deployments, three PCS’s and seen our children graduate both high school and college. Meeting my husband was by far the greatest thing that ever happened to me; he is the love of my life! He was heaven sent, I am sure of it! And we plan to still be celebrating our love many, many years from now. At present we are stationed at what may be our last duty station. He has a little more than 23 years in, and he will retire soon. Then, we can settle down and enjoy each others’ company, ‘til death do us part.

photos by heather wilburn \\ family and mwr marketing

www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Winter 2013 • 17

Fair trade

Mystery shoppers help Family and MWR get even better Trading Post offers new option for meetings, parties Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

There's nothing worse than walking into your favorite establishment, excited about spending your hard-earned money on whatever leisure activity that you enjoy the most ... only to get bad service in return. Family and MWR strives to create positive experiences for customers at programs and facilities across the board, from social programs provided through Army Community Service to top-quality physical fitness facilities. To ensure that service is held to the highest standard, Family and MWR leadership has instituted a mystery shopper program that will inspect and grade facilities on several key elements of the customer experience. “Customer service is the most important thing we do, so we are very interested in how our employees interact with our customers, how our facilities look and what perceptions customers have in general about Family and

MWR,” Lindy Sorrell, director of Family and MWR at Fort Bliss. In order to keep Fort Bliss Family and MWR at a good standing with customer service, reintroducing mystery shoppers into the fold allows the organization to not only get an outside view of how we represent the mission of the organization, but also get a sense of what makes the organization thrive. Family and MWR has been actively recruiting Soldiers, spouses, civilians and retirees – the individuals who comprise our community – to give us their opinions and share their experiences with our facilities and programs. “Mystery shoppers give us a fresh look at these things, and we are always interested in gaining more input about our programs,” said Sorrell. And providing feedback to improve our services isn't the only benefit to the program: As a bonus, Family and MWR offers a $25 gift card to each mystery shopper who completes and turns in a

If no payment is needed, simply drop the form in the dropbox provided. If payment When the Trading Post opened in Sepis required, visit the ITR kiosk at Freedom tember, it became the new home of sevCrossing to make the payment. Return to eral organizations on Fort Bliss: The Junior the Trading Post with the agreement and Enlisted Family Center, the NCO Wives’ the receipt and have the staff on site comClub, Enlisted Spouses’ Club and Officer plete the agreement, or write the receipt and Civilian Spouses’ Association, just to number on the agreement and drop the name a few. Now, in addition to providform in the reservation box. ing a space for those organizations, the Once your booking is confirmed, you OCSA Thrift Store, A Little Bit of Bliss Gift will receive a telephonic or an electronic Shop and an indoor playground, the Trading Post can also provide space for FRG The Trading Post, including the popular indoor play- confirmation from the Trading Post staff. It is important to note that guests utilizmeetings, deployment fairs, birthday par- ground area, is now available for meetings and parties. Reservations must be made through the Trading Post, ing the trading post may bring in potlucks, ties and more. birthday cakes, snacks and other food No fees are charged for general meet- located at Bldg. 1717 Marshall Road. ing space: FRG meetings and deployment fairs, for example, carry no items. Any catering, however, must be provided by an on-post orcharge ... but they must still be reserved at least 72 hours in advance. ganization. The Centennial and Desert Strike Lanes, for example, ofPrivate functions, including birthday parties, can be booked as fer special Trading Post packages. Other options inlcude restaurants well. These functions incur a $50 user fee, which covers rental of located at Freedom Crossing. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted the facility and includes the use of six tables and 36 chairs. Patrons in the facility under any circumstances. To learn more about booking the Trading Post for your next party wishing to reserve use of the indoor playground must schedule their – and to find detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to reserve the events for times outside normal Trading Post business hours. When booking the trading post for an event, first check the date’s facility – visit the Trading Post website blissmwr.com/tradingpost. availability by calling the Trading Post at (915) 730-9803 or checking There, you can view the facility SOP, download the rental agreement, the calendar at the facility. Next, pick up a copy of the rental agree- and view catering options provided by the Centennial and Desert ment. Complete the form and stamp it with the supplied date stamp. Strike Lanes. For more information, call (915) 730-9803.

Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

Mystery Shopper $ $ $ $ $$ $

photos by heather wilburn \\ family and mwr marketing

mystery shopper survey. You frequent our facilities anyway, so let us know how we are doing – and get paid for it! For more information or to download an application, visit blissmwr.com/mysteryshopper.

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18 • Winter 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

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¡blissNOW! • Winter 2013 • 19

Monica Castillo, Sponsorship and Advertising Coordinator

Viva! Fort Bliss Family and MWR loves to recognize the amazing corporate sponsors who have our Soldiers' best interest at heart. This quarter we are proud to recognize the Viva Auto Group. Viva has been an active sponsor for the last few years and within those years has made a tremendous impact on our military community. Aside from being present at our events, they have gone above and beyond to make them unique. For example, Family and MWR hosted its annual Monster Bash in October – and Viva not only supported the event financially, but they also gave free professional photos to everyone in attendance. “My best experience working with Family and MWR has been when I see Soldiers and their families use the MWR facilities and realize that the Viva Auto Group is helping make a part of this possible,” said Bill Stapleton, military liaison for the Viva Auto Group. “America's Soldiers and their families give so much for us; it is nice to give something back to them.” We can’t thank Viva enough for all the support they show to our troops. You can catch up with Bill and the Viva Auto Group at our next Mega Bingo, where they have provided the grand prize: a 2013 Kia Soul! Freedom-ElPaso[FBM1012].pdf 1 9/11/2012 3:46:40 PM

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¡blissNOW! • Winter 2013 • 21

clubs FOOD&FUN

Mega Bingo returns with a big new prize: a 2013 Kia Soul Rosalinda Herrera, Family and MWR Marketing

The bingo of all bingos is back! Where do you have a chance to drive away in your grand prize? At Mega Bingo, of course ... and the wildly poplar game returns to the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center April 6. Come armed with your lucky rabbit’s foot! The award-winning Mega Bingo just keeps getting bigger and better. This time around the grand prize is a 2013 Kia Soul, generously provided by VIVA! Auto Group. Of course, the vehicle isn’t the only thing up for grabs – players will also have a shot at $20,000 in cash prizes, with 10 chances to win $1,000 or more. Did we mention that no game pays out less than $500? The odds are in your favor, but you can’t win if you don’t play! Advance tickets go on sale Saturday, March 16 during Super Saturday Bingo at the Centennial. Purchase your buy-ins early and save big. Advance buy-ins cost $75 for a paper pack or $175 for a paper and electronic package. At the door, the price goes up to $100 for a paper pack or $200 for a paper and electronic combo. Electronics are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. On the big day, additional add-on packs will be available at a discounted rate. One add-on pack costs $35; save even more when you purchase two for $50 or three for $60. If you think bingo’s not your thing, think again: You do not have to be an experienced bingo player to go home a winner. “Test out your beginner’s luck,” said Leesa Sheppard, bingo programs manager for Family and MWR. “If you have never played bingo before, this is the perfect time to start!” Does the early bird really get the worm? Mega Bingo would be a great time to put that old saying to the test. Get there early – doors open at noon and there will be two early bird sessions that will begin at 1:30 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. The early bird packs will be available for purchase the day of the event for $5 each. In addition to all the bingo fun, there will be great door prizes and the snack bar will be open for your food and beverages needs. This will be the fourth Mega Bingo and this awesome event would not be possible without our sponsors! Our sponsors provide us with the prizes that put Mega Bingo on the map. In the past, Mega Bingo has hosted participants that travel from neighboring cities and installations to take advantage of this amazing event. The Centennial has even had representatives from other Army installations attend Mega Bingo in hopes of implementing the program at their own posts ... talk about success! The Centennial Banquet and Conference Center is located at Bldg. 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss. For more information, visit blissmwr.com/bingo or call (915) 744-1171.

22 • Winter 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

fort bliss family and mwr photo

clubs FOOD&FUN

Viva la Mega Bingo!

darline goyea \\ family and mwr marketing

Chef Jon-Paul Delamotte, right, shows a guest what not to do with a knife during an interactive cooking demonstration at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center. Delamotte, the new executive chef for Fort Bliss Family and MWR, is bringing new menus and events to the community.

In good taste

Executive chef brings fresh flavors to Family and MWR Rosalinda Herrera, Family and MWR Marketing

photos by heather wilburn \\ family and mwr marketing

Top: A Mega Bingo winner celebrates atop the 2011 Ford F-150 he won during the February 2012 edition of Mega Bingo at the Centennial. Center: The grand prize for April’s Mega Bingo is a 2013 Kia Soul, generously provided by Viva Auto Group. Bottom: Winners display the cold hard cash they picked up during the August 2012 Mega Bingo at the Centennial. This time, $20,000 in cash is up for grabs!

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Are you looking for something new this year? Whether you’d like to enjoy a new dining experience, expand your own knowledge of food or eat healthier, Fort Bliss’s newest team member, Chef Jon-Paul Delamotte, provides you with an array of options. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Academie d’Art Culinaire de Paris, Chef Jon-Paul is a holder of Le Grand Dipole. He is a master baker, master chef, and a certified sommelier, and holds the rank of certified executive chef. Chef Jon-Paul has had many knockout moments since coming on board as Family and MWR’s executive chef. His Fort Bliss debut at the Beer Pairing Dinner is one that made a great impression. For Hispanic Heritage Month, Chef Jon-Paul wowed Centennial lunch-goers with amazing food from Hispanic regions around the world. While the chef creates dishes that please, his goals much run deeper than simply providing sustenance. “I’m not just putting food out there to feed peoples’ bodies,” Chef Jon-Paul said. “I am also feeding their souls, providing them

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with new experiences and taking them back to a great memory.” To provide Family and MWR customers with more new frontiers, he plans to have a recurring “international day” at the Centennial, which will take patrons on a trip around the world with new and exciting food. Even more new experiences can be had during the “Culinary Trip Around the World” series of interactive cooking demonstrations. If you missed the first class, you are in luck because the next one is right around the corner. Chef Jon-Paul is excited about teaching more than just how to prepare food – he will share the history of the meal, wine pairing options, different cooking techniques and quick short cuts for the busy working man or woman. Food brings families together, and Chef Jon-Paul is optimistic for the possibility of teaching cooking classes for children ages 3 and up. Our children learn from their parents, and teaching them healthy eating habits at an early age is very important. The opportunity to learn side by side with your children should excite every parent! The chef is also working with the Child,

Youth and School Services staff to change the existing menus in order to provide healthy options for the children. “We want to have healthy kids, not healthy trash cans,” said Chef Jon-Paul. The days of hot dogs and frozen chicken nuggets are a thing of the past. Although the process is slow, he has high hopes for change. Speaking of healthy eating, do you need some assistance with your New Year’s resolution? Help is on the way. Chef Jon-Paul is working with all Family and MWR dining facilities – including Strike Zone at Desert Strike Lanes, the Golden Tee at Underwood Golf Course, the Bullseye Bar and Grill at the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club, and the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center – to educate and motivate the staff to perfect their culinary skills and revamp existing menus to include healthier food options. Chef Jon-Paul is not only gracing Family and MWR facilities with his knowledge and guidance; he is also working as a mentor for the Fort Bliss culinary team. Chef Jon-Paul’s ambitions for the culinary team are to cultivate their talents and drive them toward success in military culinary competitions as well as competitions outside the military.

¡blissNOW! • Winter 2013 • 23

Target: Entertainment

Pershing Pub will offer ‘neighborhood bar’ on Fort Bliss

Rod and Gun Club sets sights on fun with new activities

Renovations to the historic Pace Hall are currently in full Somtimes you want to go where everybody knows your swing, with the goal of restoring Pace Hall’s old charm. The preservation of Pace Hall will be a great addition to Fort Bliss, name, and Fort Bliss will soon have a neighborhood pub of its and will aid the installation in celebrating its rich history. own. Set to open in early February, the Pershing Pub will Pace Hall was originally constructed in the be tucked into historic Pace Hall, just off Sheridan 1930s as a bachelor officers’ quarters and Road. mess and was named in honor of 1st Lt. The Pershing Pub will open its doors Herbert E. Pace Jr. In the 1980s, the facilwith the first of many Right Arm Nights, ity was converted to a lodging facility for hosted by Garrison Command. But don’t distinguished visitors. think the venue is reserved for official The Pershing Pub is reminiscent of the functions – if you are looking for a friendly old Down Under at the Officers’ Club, neighborhood bar, Pershing Pub will be the which was once enjoyed by so many on place to grab drink with friends. Friday nights. Guests would stop by to “I am most excited about being able to unwind after a long week and enjoy the offer a place for the Fort Bliss community to company of friends and neighbors. enjoy after duty hours, and to help encour“The Pershing Pub will be that sort of age camaraderie and unit cohesiveness,” ‘neighborhood bar’ that Fort Bliss is misssaid Tianna Bowden, food and beverage ing,” Bowden said. manager for Fort Bliss Family and MWR’s And that’s not all, folks! The Pershing Business Operations Division. Pub will also be available for catered functions and speGuests will be able to order beverages from the pub’s cial events with catering provided by the Centennial Banquet fully stocked bar, which will feature a great beer selection. The pub’s menu has not been finalized, but a small menu of short- and Conference Center. The Pershing Pub is located inside Pace Hall, Bldg. 243 Club order items will be ideal snacks that will complement the pub’s Road. For more information, visit blissmwr.com. beverage offerings.

Rosalinda Herrera, Family and MWR Marketing

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The Rod and Gun Club’s new Wednesdaynight Chuckwagon BBQs will feature a rotating menu of barbecue favorites. The chuckwagon (above) may also be rented to add ambiance to private events at the club.

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night, with a short order menu and drink specials. A few other things new this year: Shoot under the stars! Twilight Trap and Skeet is offered from 5-8 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday. The cost is $4 for members and $6 for nonmembers. Come enjoy “A Night of Elegance” and learn to ballroom dance for free! Dance by the fire and under the stars. there will be food and beverages available for purchase. Keep your eye out for much more from the Rod and Gun Club, which is open to the public – no membership required. “There are a lot of great things to look forward to at the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club this year,” said Melinda McWeekny, the club’s assistant manager. “Don’t be a stranger, The Rod and Gun Club is open to the public and we look forward to seeing you there!” For more information about the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club, call (915) 565-4867 or visit blissmwr.com/rodandgun. It Works!

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Hitch up your holsters: The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club is adding some great new food options and events this year! The Rod and Gun Club is no longer just a place to shoot trap and skeet, it is now also place for good food and good times. Did you know about the Bullseye Bar and Grill, located inside the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun club? For years, patrons have been able to pop in and grab a bite from a menu of tried and true favorites. Now, the Bullseye Bar and Grill will shift the menu to a new concept of game foods – think the newly famous bison burger, elk sausage and venison sausage. The change has been in the works for some time and is welcomed by the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun team and customers. Newcomers and the loyal regulars, keep a look out for the new additions to the Bullseye Bar and Grill menu and the updated catering options. That’s right, I said it: catering! You can utilize the Rod and Gun Club’s patio or meeting room and have their team cater your next unit function or special event. Or you can utilize the large barbecue grill on the patio and host your own backyard barbecue. Add a little western flair to your next event – the brand new chuckwagon is available for use at the Rod and Gun Club. Contact the club for details. Speaking of a party on the patio, the Rod and Gun Club hosts the Chuckwagon BBQ from 4-7:30 p.m. every Wednesday night. Stay warm and toasty by the fire and enjoy a rotating menu of barbecue favorites. You can find each month’s menu options at blissmwr.com/rodandgun . Are you looking for a place to sing your heart out or just a great place to hang out with your friends on a Friday night? Then the Rod and Gun Club’s new Friday night karaoke is the place for you! Don’t miss the fun every Friday

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Stop and stay a while

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¡blissNOW! • Winter 2013 • 25

Date:

Activity:

Location:

Includes:

Tower Day

Tango Tower

Unlimited use of Tango Tower - Morning or afternoon ticket

January 6

Bouldering

Hueco Tanks State Park

$18

Transportation, equipment, park entry fees, guide services

January 12

Skiing + Snowboarding

Ski Apache, Mescalero, N.M.

$50

Transportation, lift ticket

Midnight Laser Tag

Soto Gym

$10

Entry fee, laser tag equipment *For adults 16 and older only

January 19

Bouldering

Hueco Tanks State Park

$18

Transportation, equipment, park entry fees, guide services

January 26

Skiing + Snowboarding

Ski Apache, Mescalero, N.M.

$50

Transportation, lift ticket

January 26

Snow Shoeing Day Hike

TBD upon snowfall

$20

Transportation, equipment, park entry fees, guide services

January 5

10am-4:30pm

January 17

9pm

February 1

BIGG Night Laser Tag

Biggs Park

$10

Entry fee, laser tag equipment *For youth under age 16 only

February 2

5pm

Skiing + Snowboarding

Ski Apache, Mesvalero, N.M.

$50

Transportation, lift ticket

February 2

Snow Shoeing Day Hike

TBD upon snowfall

$20

Transportation, equipment, park entry fees, guide services

February 9

Tower Day

Tango Tower

Unlimited use of Tango Tower - Morning or afternoon ticket

February 14

southwest adventure photos

El Paso’s mild winter temperatures make for perfect climbing weather, and Southwest Adventure takes full advantage of world-class sites like Hueco Tanks State Park, above, for bouldering and climbing excursions. Other winter offerings include Tower Days on Tango Tower, below left, ski trips and more.

New year, new adventures

Midnight Laser Tag

Soto Gym

$10

Entry fee, laser tag equipment *For adults 16 and older only

February 15

Hueco Rock Rodeo

Hueco Tanks State Park

$45

Transportation, equipment, park entry, tournament entry fees

February 15-18

Skiing + Snowboarding

Wolf Creek, Colo.

$265

Transportation, equipment, park entry fees, guide services *Trip capped at 11-13 participants

March 1

BIGG Night Laser Tag

Biggs Park

$10

Entry fee, laser tag equipment. *For youth under age 16 only

March 2

Rock Climbing

Rough + Ready Hills Range. N.M. $18

Transportation, equipment, park entry fees, guide services

March 9

Lunch Rocks!

Hueco Tanks State Park

$18

Transportation, equipment, park entry fees, guide services

Midnight Laser Tag

Soto Gym

$10

Entry fee, laser tag equipment *For adults 16 and older only

Hiking

Guadalupe Peak, Texas

$10

Transportation, equipment, park entry fees, guide services

Tower Day

Tango Tower, Biggs Park

Unlimited use of Tango Tower - Morning or afternoon ticket

March 14

9pm

March 16 March 23

10am-4:30pm

Stay warm this winter with outdoor recreation activities

26 • Winter 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

Are you looking to add a little adventure to your agenda? Take advantage of the services offered by Southwest Adventure! From full-service trip planning to guide services and more, the outdoor recreation experts at Southwest Adventure can inject excitement into your excursions. The winter calendar is packed with options: skiing and snowboarding, climbing and bouldering, laser tag and more. The highlight? A February 15 outing to the Hueco Rock Rodeo. “The Rock Rodeo is really a big part of who we are and what we do here,” said John Limon, a recreation specialist with Southwest Adventure. “We’re really centered on climbing.” The Hueco Rock Rodeo is one of the world’s premier climbing competitions, and is conducted at Hueco Tanks State Park, conveniently close to Fort Bliss. Also returning to the calendar: a day hike up Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. “We go to the top of Texas,” Limon

said. It’s a pretty good hike. It’s not too strenuous, but it’s not a super-easy hike ... it will tire you out, but it’s not crazy hard.” In addition to providing programmed activities, the Southwest Adventure staff can help you plan your own adventure. “One of the things we want to emphasize is that we really like to plan trips for people,” said Kenny Coppedge, outdoor recreation program manager at Fort Bliss. “We’re a professional guide service, and we can do that kind of thing – or we can point you in the right direction and you can do it yourself. “Our point is not to just make money, or to monopolize outdoor recreation and make sure our business is the only one you support,” he continued. “We work with other guide services, and the parks department. We just want to get people involved, and we’ll do it for you, or will find a way for you to do it yourself. Our whole goal is to improve quality of life through outdoor recreation.”

www.blissmwr.com

recreation southwest adventure

southwest adventure calendar of events

“We just want you to get outdoors,” Limon agreed. To get even more people involved outdoors, Southwest Adventure is looking to add new outings to the spring calendar. “We are going to add fishing trips,” Coppedge said. “I think it will be fun, but we won’t put it on the calendar until April because that’s when the good fishing starts. “We’re also looking into adding some other programs: maybe some horseback riding, maybe some fun, adventurous stuff that’s more guided, like car camping. We’re looking to cater to a less strenuous type of adventurer, where you’re still getting out and having fun, but it’s not mountain biking or

www.blissmwr.com

rock climbing, or hiking to the top of things.” And more new fun is on the way to the Roberto Loeza Soldier Activity Center, as well. “We will increase the programming at the climbing wall, as well,” Coppedge said. “In addition to the free belay clinics we already offer, we will have classes on climbing safety, skills, technique and fitness.” To learn more about Southwest Adventure, visit blissmwr.com/southwest adventure or facebook.com/blissodr. Check in by phone at (915) 744-1532, or stop by Southwest Adventure headquarters at the Roberto Loeza Soldier Activity Center, Bldg. 20732 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss.

¡blissNOW! • Winter 2013 • 27

T E G

Fort Bliss RV Park named top family campground for 2012

Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

WHERE?

T S O P F F O • Cielo Vista Mall

601

7:00 7:23 8:01 8:13 8:18 8:35 8:55 8:00 8:23 9:01 9:13 9:18 9:35 9:55 9:00 9:23 10:01 10:13 10:18 10:35 10:55 10:00 10:23 11:01 11:13 11:18 11:35 11:55 11:00 11:23 12:01 12:13 12:18 12:35 12:55 12:00 12:23 1:01 1:13 1:18 1:35 1:55 1:00 1:23 2:01 2:13 2:18 2:35 2:55 2:00 2:23 3:01 3:13 3:18 3:35 3:55 3:00 3:23 4:01 4:13 4:18 4:35 4:55 4:00 4:23 5:01 5:13 5:18 5:35 5:55 5:00 5:23 6:01 6:13 6:18 6:35 6:55 6:00 6:23 7:01 7:13 7:18 7:35 7:55 7:00 7:23 8:01 8:13 8:18 8:35 8:55

SERG EA

HIA ORC MT P

EAG

Saturday

533.3333

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heather wilburn \\ family and mwr marketing

RV Park Manager Hank Young, right, and Family and MWR Director Melinda Sorrell, second from left, accept the FamCamp of the Year award from representatives of the Special Military Active-Retired Travel Club. their efforts don’t go unnoticed,” Young continued. The Fort Bliss RV Park features 133 fullservice RV hook-ups including water, electric and sewer, a family room with a kitchen, shower facilities, private bathrooms, two laundry facilities and more. RV storage with 24-hour access is also available. Amenities like these set the Fort Bliss RV Park apart from others in the area and across the nation, Young said.

“Our facility is just a step above from so many others,” he said. “For instance, a lot of the camps around here have dirt pads, while all of ours are concrete. Many of the other camps are located a little out of town, while our location is very convenient, especially to Fort Bliss.” Another big draw is the value offered by the Fort Bliss RV Park. The prices represent great savings when compared to other camps in the area. “It’s just a good place to stay,” Young noted. “It’s good for families, for retirees and for active-duty.” As it happens, these are the groups that come together to form SMART, the organization that presented the park with the award. SMART brings military veterans – both active and retired – together to share camaraderie, travel, RVing and support veterans. The organization’s motto is “Seeing the Country We Defend.” Their website, SMARTrving.org, provides information to the military RV community. To learn more, call (915) 568-0106 or visit blissmwr.com/rvpark.

BAC

CONNECTING POINTS TO ROUTES PX/Comissary (30) Airways/Montana (33,50)

Freedom Crossing

Eastside Terminal

Freedom Crossing

Soto Gym

Mt. Porchia

ANS

EASTSIDE TERMINAL 7, 25, 51, 52, 53, 55, 58, 59, 63, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74

Eastside Terminal

O CIELO VISTA MALL

Soto Gym

SC VI

WALMART/ SAMS

Freedom Crossing

Eastside Terminal

601

Monday - Friday

NT AN

EASTSIDE TRANSFER CENTER

AL OB

SERGEANT MAJOR

V IC TOR Y

S SI SG M S

GUL

RMA

WILLIAM H. CHAMBERS DENTAL CLINIC

TOR

COL D WAR

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Soto Gym

TRA

SOTO GYM

Mt. Porchia

FIE

CONSTITU T I O

TE R

HA AN

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Soto Gym

AVE OLD IRONSIDES

ST B JE

601

NT M

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Ft. Bliss / Eastside Connector

Eastside Terminal

O SA

AJ OR

FREEDOM CROSSING COMISSARY/PX

Freedom Crossing

• Cinemark • Sam’s • Wal-Mart • PX/Freedom Crossing

The Fort Bliss RV Park is held to a high standard by the employees who staff the facility and the guests who call it home – no matter how long they stay. Whether guests are there for a day or a week, the staff tries to please. It's no wonder, then, that the Fort Bliss RV Park was recently named the 2012 Family Campground of the Year by the Special Military Active-Retired Travel Club. It’s no small honor to be named tops out of more than 250 military campgrounds and RV parks located across the county, said Hank Young, manager of the Fort Bliss RV Park. The hard work of the park’s staff makes the difference, he added. “I give all the credit to the people who work here,” he said. “They do all the work. They interact with our customers every single day, and they’re the ones who deal with any problems that might arise. “It’s nice for someone else to realize how hard they work, and to know that

recreation leisure

Best in show

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Mention this code to claim your discount. Corporate ID: GA1AR_ZZZ May require up to a $36 activation fee/line, credit approval and deposit. Up to $350/line early termination fee (ETF) for advanced devices and up to $200 ETF/line for other devices (no ETF for Agreements cancelled in compliance with Sprint’s Return Policy). IL Port-in Offer: Offer ends: 12/31/2012. $100 port-in credit for smartphones, feature phones and mobile broadband devices. Available only to eligible Individual-liable accounts with a valid Corp. ID. Requires port-in from an active wireless line/mobile number or landline/number that comes through the port process to a new-line on an eligible Sprint service plan. Ported new-line activation must remain active with Sprint for 61 days to receive full service credit. You should continue paying your bill while waiting for your service credit to avoid service disruption and possible credit delay. Offer excludes Nextel Direct Connect devices, upgrades, replacements, and ports made between Sprint entities or providers associated with Sprint (i.e., Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, Common Cents Mobile and Assurance), telephone numbers active on Sprint within the previous 60 days, all Corporate-liable, all plans less than $10, and $19.99 Tablet plans. Port-in Payment Expectations: Service credit will appear in adjustment summary section at account level on invoice and will appear as a “VALUED CUSTOMER SERVICE CREDIT.” If the service credit does not appear on the first or second invoice following the 61st day, visit sprint.com/promo and click on “Escalation”. Individual-Liable Discount: Individual-Liable Discount: Available only to eligible employees of the company, organization or Government agency participating in the discount program (requires ongoing verification). Discounts are subject to change according to the company’s, organization’s or agency’s agreement with Sprint and are available upon request for select plans (monthly service charges only). No discounts apply to secondary lines, Add-A-Phone lines or add-ons $29.99 or less. Other Terms: Coverage not available everywhere. Nationwide Sprint Network reaches over 282 million people. Sprint reserves the right to modify, extend or cancel offers at any time. May not be combinable with other offers. Offers not available in all markets/retail locations. Other restrictions apply. © 2012 Sprint. All rights reserved. Sprint and the logo are trademarks of Sprint. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. N125593

www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Winter 2013 • 29

Personal trainers design regimens to meet your needs Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

Team Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics will hit the ground running in 2013 ... literally. The team kicks off the year’s calendar with the annual Fort Bliss Half-Marathon January 12. “We’re starting out in a big way,” said Aaron Jones, sports director at Fort Bliss Family and MWR. “Last year, we had 425 runners in the half-marathon. If we have 425 again this year, we’ll be really happy.” At the same time, the fitness program will host a 5k as part of their New Year, New You Health and Fitness Fair. This means there is the potential for even more runners to hit the pavement that morning. In addition to the half-marathon, there are several runs on tap for the first quarter of 2013. The 5k Post Championship and St. Patty’s Day 6-Mile Run round out the race schedule. While runners are still recovering, the sports team will roll out the first of the year’s Commander’s Cup leagues: Basketball begins Janaury 16. Like all Commander’s Cup leagues, the basketball league is free and open to company-level teams of active-duty Soldiers only. Women’s basketball tips off the next day. The women’s league is open to active-duty military, family members 18 and older, and DoD/DA civilians. Active-duty play free; all other players pay $15 per person. February sees the return of the Commander’s Cup bowling league, which was a great success last year. “Bowling was huge last year,” Jones noted. “We had to turn away a few teams because the league was full. Because of the success, we have to cap this year’s participation at 24 teams.” For Team Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics, “growth” was the key word in 2012 “In 2011, we did a great job of growing the sports program, but in 2012 we just busted at the seams,” Jones explained. “We did a great job of increasing participation not just in individual events, but as a whole.” Jones hopes to see the program continue to expand in 2013. Leagues like the open spring softball league should help that happen. “Last year, we had 24 teams – and that’s for the pay league,” Jones said. “Those are the people who really want to come out and play. We’ll do two leagues, like always: a recreation league for those people who want to come

EVENT NAME AND ELIGIBILITY

Individual attention

DATE

lauren renz \\ team bliss sports, fitness and aquatics

Runners depart the starting line during a Team Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics run in November. The 2013 calendar kicks off with the annual Fort Bliss Half-Marathon January 12. out and just enjoy playing on a Saturday, getting some fresh air, and a competitive league where the players are really out there going for it.” The two-league approach helps keep it fun for everyone, Jones noted. “We don’t have any mismatches, because the teams that are really, really good don’t have any fun beating up on teams that are just out there to have fun,” he said. “Likewise, teams that are getting beat up on don’t have fun, either.” Another big program is women’s volleball, which begins in March. In 2012, participation in this league extended past the players to the friends and family who came out to support the teams. “I’ve never seen better support for a women’s sport,” Jones said. “Spouses, friends, fans, kids in the stands ... You walked in and the gyms were literally full of people watching the games. It was awesome for the players, and it was awesome as a director to walk in and see that, too, because you know you’ve really connected with the needs of the community.” View the full 2013 Team Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics schedule at blissmwr.com/intramurals, or call (915) 744-5790 for more information.

LOCATION

When is the right time to put your health at the top of your list? Now! Health should never be delayed, or be a compromise. Thank goodness Fort Bliss has the best personal trainers with current personal fitness programs that will encourage you to stay atop your physical wellness. Based on your needs, goals and time, Family and MWR’s Strength and Conditioning department has trainers to accommodate it all. Before commencing to a personal training routine, it is always a good idea to seek professional medical advice beforehand. Once you get the thumbs up from a physician, have a body composition analysis assess where you are now, and what you need to do to get where you want to be. For the low fee of $10, the BCA measures components of your body. In short, it tells you what you are A personal trainer can provide clients with one-on-one atten- made of: weight, skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass. tion to help attain and maintain a proper exercise routine. mwr brand central photo

recreation sports&fitness

Team Bliss Sports kicks off year with big events, big fun

sports calendar

recreation sports&fitness

Off to a fast start

“The BCA helps establish a baseline,” said Doug Briggs, director of Strength and Conditioning. Currently there are five personal trainers who are equipped to get you started on your race. Following your BCA, a personal trainer will conduct a fitness evaluation to see what kind of shape you are in. Next, the trainer will design a specific regimen based on your goals. And once it has been establish which course of action is best suited for you, supervised exercise with one-on-one attention will help attain and maintain a proper exercise routine. Whether you want to lose weight, get in shape, bulk up, tone or just improve endurance, the personal trainers will keep you on your toes, switch it up with various physical challenges, and guide you step-by-step to get you to the finish line. Want to get started today? Visit blissmwr.com/fitness for more information.

COMMANDER’S CUP EVENT?

Open to active-duty fort bliss military Commander’s Cup Basketball League

January 16

Soto Gym

Yes

Commander's Cup Bowling League

February 4

Desert Strike Lanes

Yes

Border Rumble Boxing Smoker

February 8

Stout Gym

Commander's Cup Outdoor Soccer League

March 25

Soto Field

Yes

Commander's Cup Volleyball League

April 1-May 2

Biggs Gym

Yes

Women's Basketball League

January 17

Biggs Gym

5k Post Championship Run

February 22

Soto Gym

Yes

Spring Open Softball League

March 2

Omar Bradley Complex

Women's Volleyball League

March 16

Biggs Gym

Open Flag Football League

March 28

Omar Bradley Complex

10k Post Championship Run

April 5

Soto Gym

Yes

Fort Bliss Half-Marathon

January 12

Soto Gym

St. Patty's Day 6-Mile Run

March 16

Soto Gym

open to all military ID holders

Open to fort bliss and el paso community

30 • Winter 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Winter 2013 • 31

An extra push

Heather Wilburn Family and MWR Marketing

Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

Bliss chosen as site for world military taekwondo tournament Group fitness adds extra motivation to your workout In October, almost 30 nations sent teams to compete in the 21st World Military Taekwondo Championship in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. In 2013, those teams will converge on Fort Bliss for the event’s 22nd iteration. Eric Hildreth, chief of the Community Recreation Division at Fort Bliss Family and MWR, accompanied the United States armed forces team to Vietnam, where he got a chance to see the tournament in action. “I had a chance to see how the tournament comes together,” he said. “I was able to get a look at the planning, the logistics involved, and the execution of the event itself. “The experience was amazing,” Hildreth continued. “Not only the tournament, but to go into this less-developed, communist nation and see the political dynamics and nationalism in action. What Vietnam is trying to do is open their doors to the rest of the world – hosting the 2012 tournament was one step in trying to accomplish that goal.” The whole nation came together to make possible the tournament, which was completely run by their military, Hildreth said. Next year, when the tournament is on U.S. soil, Fort Bliss will be the lone organizer. “It’s quite a thing for Fort Bliss to be identified as the host of the 2013 World Military Taekwondo Championship,” Hildreth noted, adding that he feels the MWR reputation of Team Bliss as a cando organization led to Bliss’ selection as the next tournament site. “Fort Bliss is pretty well known for high-quality special events in the sporting world, so our reputation is already strong,” Hildreth said. Melinda Sorrell, director of Family and MWR at Fort Bliss, agreed. “Our selection reflects the professionalism and performance of our staff, who have very successfully hosted other CISM events in the past,” she said. “It is truly an honor to be selected for this event. The installation's growth and new facilities coming online also played favorably into the decision to tap Fort Bliss as the next host, Hildreth noted. “We could almost create an Olympic

32 • Winter 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

CISM World Military Taekwondo Championship Photo

Col. William Rabena, IMCOM deputy G-9 for Warrior and Family Support, left, and Eric Hildreth, chief of the Community Recreation Division at Fort Bliss Family and MWR display the cased colors of the CISM World Military Taekwondo Championship in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The colors have arrived at Fort Bliss, which will host the 22nd CISM World Military Taekwondo Championship in 2013. village on East Fort Bliss, when you con- in just one sport and will bring worldsider Soto Physical Fitness Center, the Sol- class competition to Fort Bliss, as many dier Activity Center, the aquatics center of the military athletes also represent their that will be opening in the spring and the countries in the Olympics.” AAFES facility,” Hildreth said. The International Military Sports “All of our beautiful new facilities will Council – or Conseil International du enhance the experience,” Sorrell added. Sport Militaire – is one of the largest mul“For many of these athletes, coming to tidisciplinary organizations in the world, America is a very big deal, and we will do responsible for various sporting events our best to ensure that Fort Bliss and the for the armed forces of its 133 member United States Army are well-represented nations. Soldiers who may have previby us.” ously met on the battlefield may meet in The tournament, which is governed by friendship on the playing field, hence the the International Military Sports Council group’s motto: Friendship Through Sport. (CISM), will take place at either Stout or “This is quite an honor for Fort Bliss Soto Physical Fitness Center. The site will and El Paso,” Hildreth said. “We can’t be determined in the coming months – wait to show the world all the world-class probably around the turn of the year, Hil- facilities and programs that make us one dreth said – when the CISM Taekwondo of the U.S. Army’s installations of choice.” Committee makes its initial visit to Fort The 2013 World Military Taekwondo Bliss. The local organizational commit- Championship will begin Oct. 14. The tee, headed by Garrison Commander tournament’s flag, however, has already Col. Brant V. Dayley, is currently being arrived. Once the colors were cased in Ho put together. Chi Minh City, the flag was presented to Sorrell said Fort Bliss Family and Hildreth for safekeeping until the start of MWR is looking forward to the challenge the 2013 tournament. The next time athof hosting such high-caliber competition. letes of the world see that flag, it will be “We're very excited to host this event,” flying over Fort Bliss. she said. “It is like hosting the Olympics

www.blissmwr.com

When you need that extra push and working out alone is not motivating enough, try group fitness! Family and MWR at Fort Bliss offer a spectrum of group fitness classes that will rev up your heart rate, help you shed pounds and maintain a healthy weight, and get you toned to a totally new you. “Once you stop moving your body starts breaking down,” said Tina Lozoya, group fitness director. Like anything else, if you don’t use it, you lose it. Stout and Soto physical fitness centers offer classes such as Zumba and indoor cycling - the two most popular in the group fitness spectrum. However, if you are searching for a more intense and a total body workout, give classes such as R.I.P.P.E.D a try. R.I.P.P.E.D. stands for resistance, interval, power, plyometrics, endurance and diet, and is a choreographed workout that incorporates all of these in combination with 3-8 pound weights. Other classes such as kettle bell are a good way to build cardio, strength and endurance, and in an hour’s time you are working your way to a more toned and empowered you. Kettle bell focuses on toning with weights between 5 and 15 pounds; cardio is involved because of the constant movement. But wait … Hold on to your sweat bands and leotards! What you’re about to read is nothing like the aerobics of the ‘80s. Lozoya and the folks over at Soto Gym have been working hard at bringing the most trendy, yet effective, exercise programs that will get you to your goal. Get set for new classes - yes, new classes – including Aqua Zumba, Zumba Sentao and Rock Hard G.A.L ( glutes, abs and legs). Aqua Zumba is sort of like a “pool party” workout for all ages - of course it helps if you know how to swim. The water-based workout integrates the Zumba formula with the challenge of water resistance. Zumba Sentao is an intense and explosive seated, choreographed exercise that will enhance endurance, build muscle, tone, strengthen balance and stabilize your core. Rock Hard G.A.L. will be a highintensity, short-duration class focused on glutes, abs and legs, with rock music to keep you motivated and driven! With all this talk of exercise, it is important to note that you shouldn’t start an exercise program without consulting the advice and guidance of a physician. We will take over from there. For more information on the group exercise program and to view the monthly schedule, visit blissmwr.com/aerobics.

recreation sports&fitness

The host with the most

darline goyea, Family and mwr marketing

Above: Group exercise instructor and personal trainer Tami Barnwell shows off the results of hard work and group fitness classes. Left: Barnwell, second from right, before her transformation.

courtesy photo

Maury Solano, MBA Broker/REALTOR/US ARMY (Retired) MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PRODUCER Tough Housing Market? – Don’t worry, call MAURY!! Ready to assist the most deserving customer in the world, the SOLDIER! Whether BUYING or SELLING a home, call me TODAY!

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www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Winter 2013 • 33

CYSS increases open recreation hours for occasional users Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

Partnerships go hand and hand in the world of military life. Some succeed, some don’t. Some last a lifetime, others for a season. When it comes to the youth of the military, it is the quality of those partnerhips that counts. The quality of the partnership between Child, Youth and School Services and 4-H is undeniable – and now, school-agers who aren't in regular before- and after-school care can do more to reap the benefits of that partnership. Under the School Year 2012-2013 Army Child and Youth Fee Policy, the fee guidance for occasional users has been expanded from four free hours of open recreation per month, per child to 10 free hours of scheduled 4-H Club meetings or 4-H events. This means children who are eligible for CYSS care at school-age centers, but are not currently enrolled in regular care, can now join in the educational fun for 10 hours per month, at no cost. Open recreation hours are included in the fees established for before, after and before and after-school programs for regularly scheduled users. The national 4-H curriculum focuses on 4-H’s three primary mission mandates: science, healthy living and citizenship. As military families frequently move and experience the difficulties surrounding lengthy and recurring deployments, CYSS and 4-H

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provide predictable programming and a safe, nurturing environment for military kids. From wind power to workforce readiness, youth activity guides are filled with engaging experiences that cultivate the skills that youth need for everyday living as they gain knowledge about subjects that interest them. “The clubs are a lot of fun and very educational,” said Alexis Duncan, a Bliss School-Age Center attendee. Occasional users must be registered with CYSS and be signed into and out of the SAC by a parent or legal guardian. Escort service by SAC staff is part of the regular before- and after-school program service fee. Hourly reservations are required and free hours must be used in one hour increments. Once free hours are exhausted, the regular CYSS hourly care fee is $4. To make a reservation, or if you have any questions, please contact the SAC you wish to use: Bliss SAC at 568- 2178; Logan SAC at 569-5779; or Milam SAC at 744-2274. CYSS registration is free and conducted at Parent Central Services, Bldg. 1743 Victory Ave. next door to IHG Army Hotels. Parent Central is open from 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. For more information call 568-4374.

Darline Goyea, Family and MWR Marketing

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How many reasons do you need to know that SKIESUnlimited always has your back? Five years ago, SKIES Unlimited began offering drivers education courses to eligible Child, Youth and School Services users. “At the time, SKIES was growing, and other posts were trying it,” said Joy Clickener, SKIES program manager. The drivers education class was successfully integrated into the Fort Bliss SKIES curriculum, and it is obvious that the class is a success. At $325-$350 for driving lessons off post, it is no wonder there was a significant demand for drivers education on post. Through SKIESUnlimited, drivers ed costs students just $290 – a significant savings over off-post options. The fee covers 32 hours of in-class book learning and 14 hours of on-the-road learning, which consists of actual driving time and observing. At the end of the course, students are given a final certificate for their drivers license – no standing in line waiting to take the test at the Department of Motor Vehicles. As extra bonus, your family may qualify for Army Family Covenant discounts that can cover most, if not all, courses fees. To find out if your family qualifies, visit blissmwr.com/cys to view the Army Family Covenant eligibility matrix. As Fort Bliss is an installation experiencing recurring deployments, 90 percent of Fort Bliss families utilize their discounts and save by taking this route. Please be advised that the registration period for driver’s education does not fall within normal registration cycle for regular SKIES programs. For more information, please contact SKIES or visit blissmwr.com/skies. Fort Bliss was able to test the waters with drivers' ed because SKIES programs at each military installation are afforded their own curriculum based on area contracts, installation demand and the success rate of classes. The success rate and demand for the classes also allow employment opportunities for military spouses and the immediate local community. Fortunately, Fort Bliss has a wide variety of teachers available to teach the sundry of SKIES programs provided. Be on the lookout for new programs starting this month: fencing, violin and art classes.

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34 • Winter 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

www.blissmwr.com

¡blissNOW! • Winter 2013 • 35

SFAC offers on-site college courses for WTB Soldiers Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

The Soldier and Family Assistance Center has long served as a one-stop shop for wounded warriors, providing many services in one location. Through the SFAC, Soldiers assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion can find help with everything from finance to social services. And while WTB Soldiers have always been able to turn to the SFAC for guidance on higher education, one program makes it even easier for them to earn college credit: A partnership with Park University has brought college courses to the SFAC campus. The process begins when the SFAC’s education services personnel help tailor the programs to the students, said Sharon Washington, education services specialist. “Each student is screened by the education services personnel to ensure the program is appropriate for the student-Soldier, and vice-versa,” she noted. The Soldier can choose from several courses offered each quarter – the schedule has grown from the two courses offered at

the start of the program, just over a year ago. “The program initially began as a basic English and math course,” Washington noted. “The collaboration between SFAC and Park has just completed its first full year of education service to the WTB Soldiers, and the program has grown to a total of 12 rotating courses. This includes two English, three math, two psychology, one computer, one law, one criminal justice and one public speaking course.” The students pay for the courses using tuition assistance funds via GoArmyEd. “The program was designed so that Soldiers would not have to pay out of their own pockets, nor tap into their GI Bill,” Washington explained. “Enrollment must be completed through the GoArmyEd portal, and each student is authorized $4,500 for tuition each fiscal year. “The portal acts as a central processing point for the students’ transactions, enrollments, helpdesk inquiries and so on,” she continued. “It actually calculates the costs of each class and updates in real time. This allows the student to know the exact amount

of tuition funds he or she has available.” The students are also provided loaner textbooks at no charge. “At the end of each term, the students must return their assigned books to the SFAC so that the books can be used again for the next class,” Washington said. The arrangement has proven to be very beneficial to the Soldiers who take advantage of it, she added. “They are surprised at the quality performances of the instructors and the content of the courses,” Washington said. “They majority of the students say they wish they had started taking these classes sooner, and will continue to take the courses while in the WTB, “The Soldiers are really appreciative of the opportunity to take these classes here at the SFAC, and are thankful for the support that Park University has provided to make it all a realization,” she continued. “It is the growth of the Soldiers and helping them to continue their education that is important.” To learn more about the program, visit blissmwr.com/sfac or call (915) 568-6923.

Brunch Easter

Sunday, March 31 at The Centennial

Easter Bunny photos

Seatings from 10am-1pm Reservations: 744-1171 breakfast favorites - lunch classics complimentary wine, champagne and mimosas

bldg. 11199 sgt. e. churchilll st. east fort bliss • (915) 744-1171

36 • Winter 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

$18.95 for adults $9.50 for kids ages 5-10 Free for kids ages 4 and under blissmwr.com

www.blissmwr.com

Insider information

community ACS

School days

PEP provides more than the ordinary newcomers’ orientation Heather Wilburn, Family and MWR Marketing

If you want to really get to know your new duty station, you need more than welcome packets and travel guides – you need to get out into the community and explore. Heading out into the unknown, armed with just a map and a tank of gas, can be intimidating for some. And that’s where PEP comes in. People Encouraging People – or PEP – is a three-day newcomers orientation geared toward spouses of incoming Soldiers. Organized by the Relocation Assistance Program at Army Community Service, PEP consists of classroom learning, bus tours and field trips throughout the Fort Bliss and El Paso area. PEPpers (as class members are known) even venture into New Mexico, and have a chance to make new friends along the way. “PEP provides new and seasoned spouses the opportunity to learn about all the incredible resources and places to see, not just on Fort Bliss but also in the El Paso and New Mexico communities,” said Cher Poehlein, manager of the Relocation Assistance Program. “They also get to meet spouses who are going through the same ups and downs that we all go through when acclimating to a new community. Wonderful friendships and bonds are made throughout the three days of PEP.” PEP begins with a classroom orientation that highlights the various programs available through ACS, all designed to help improve the quality of life Soldier and families experience at Fort Bliss. Lunch follows at Los Bandidos de Carlos and Mickey’s – a popular stop for locals and out-of-towners alike – and the day is capped off by a bus tour that leads to a shopping trip to Pro’s Ranch Market in the Lower Valley. Day two begins with a driving tour of Fort Bliss and William Beaumont Army Medical Center, which helps the newcomers learn the location of important facilities and resources. PEPpers then head to downtown El Paso for a tour of the Plaza Theater and a walk through the Camino Real Hotel, along with a little shopping. On this day, the spouses get to choose where they’d like to have lunch – every option is on the table, from sushi to burgers to, of course, Mexican food. The third and final day of PEP consists of a trip to Mesilla, N.M. Located just outside of Las Cruces, N.M., Mesilla is rich in history,

www.blissmwr.com

fort bliss relocation assistance program photos

Above: A group of PEPpers poses with the “Welcome to New Mexico” sign after a day of fun in Mesilla, N.M. People Encouraging People – or PEP – introduces incoming military spouses to the El Paso area in a fun and educational way. Left: PEPpers pose with their certificates of completion following a successful three-day People Encouraging People course. PEP uses classroom learning, bus tours and fun field trips throughout Fort Bliss and the El Paso area to teach incoming spouses about the rich culture and history of their new duty station. with ties to the Butterfield Stage Coach Trail, Billy the Kid, the Civil War and the Gadsden Purchase. While in Mesilla, class members enjoy a walking tour of the historic plaza and have lunch at La Posta, a restaurant housed in an adobe compound dating back to the 1840s. The Territorial-style building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “My favorite parts of the tour are going to the Plaza Theater and Old Mesilla for the walking tour,” Poehlein noted. “The Plaza Theater and Old Mesilla are filled with such beauty and history – it’s truly breathtaking. Many people do not realize that there are exciting things to do just minutes from their front door.” The intense focus on the positive aspects of Fort Bliss and El Paso helps create new

expectations for the spouses, Poehlein said, which can help improve their outlook on life in the Borderland. “What I hear from most of our spouses is that, initially, they thought Fort Bliss and El Paso were not going to be the highlight of their military adventure,” she noted. “But after PEP, they now realize all the exciting culture and history there is in their new home away from home. The climate is also a plus ... almost 300 days of sunshine a year cannot be beat!” PEP classes are offered monthly. The class is free; however, pre-registration is required. To learn more about PEP, or to register for the class, call the Relocation Assistance Program at (915) 569-4227 ext. 6 or visit blissmwr.com/relocation.

¡blissNOW! • Winter 2013 • 37

Casualty Assistance Response aids families in time of need Volunteering is truly â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Strengthening the Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Juanita A. Harley, Mobilization and Deployment

CARE is an acronym that stands for Casualty Assistance Response. The Care Team is a group of volunteers who are trained by Army Community Service and certified by the commander to perform family assistance after a casualty. The purpose of the Care Team is to offer short-term care and support to families of deceased and seriously wounded Soldiers and civilians until the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own support structure is in place. It is important to note that the Care Team will only be utilized at the request of the family and should not be assumed to be needed in all traumatic events. Care Teams are not mandatory, but are an additional way battalions can provide valuable support to families. The support provided depends on the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs and command guidance. Examples of support include telephone call support; home care assistance; emergency child care support; transportation; and assistance to visiting family. The Care Teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistance is intended to be provided on a short-term basis, anywhere

from 72 hours to two weeks. The actual length of time depends upon the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs, guidance from leadership and presence of other family members and friends to support the family. What is a casualty? According to Army Regulation 600-8-1, a casualty is any person lost to the organization by reason of having been declared beleaguered, besieged, captured, dead, diseased, detained, duty status whereabouts unknown (DUSTWUN), injured, ill, interned, missing in action (MIA) or wounded. How are families notified of a casualty? The casualty notification process varies depending upon the type of casualty. If a Soldier or civilian is deceased, DUSTWUN or MIA, the family will be notified in person. In the case of an injured Soldier or civilian, notification depends on the nature of the Soldier or civilianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s injury. Generally for very seriously injured or seriously injured, the Rear Detachment Command or Casualty Assistance Center (CAC) will notify the primary next of kin by telephone. Sometimes a

physician may contact the family. When the Soldier or civilian is not seriously injured, the primary next of kin is notified by telephone if the illness or injury is a result of hostile action. In these cases, the Soldier or civilian generally notifies his or her family. A Care Team does not prepare death notices for newspapers; arrange donations to an organization or charity in lieu of flowers, if the family wants to make this arrangement; or make funeral arrangements, which includes transportation for the family and child care arrangements for children. In addition, a Care Team cannot arrange emergency financial assistance or give money to a family; brief the family on benefits or entitlements; or serve as a grief counselor or offer any type of counseling. Care Team training is provided by Army Community Service. Online registration is available at blissmwr.com/deployment. Classes are held at the Family Resilience Center, Bldg. 250 Club Road. Call (915) 5695500 for additional information.

Tephanie Hopper, Army Volunteer Corps Coordinator

Volunteering is the exceptional act of giving of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time, efforts and strengths in order to help somebody in need. It is also the act of unselfish neighborliness that makes our community a better place to live in. Without volunteers, we would have to rely on public service agencies that act solely within the limitations of funds and available resources. Volunteers are the solid rocks that hold our communities together. Throughout history, volunteers have made it possible for our armed services to succeed in wartime. They have also made it possible for hospitals to have the staff personnel required to provide ample care for all in need. Volunteers have even made it possible for local youths to have adequate amount of coaches in order to have sporting events. Volunteers make the big difference. Volunteers will always be needed throughout the world. There will always be people in need. There will always be disasters in distant geographical areas of the world. There will always be accidents or

community ACS

The value of volunteers

A little extra â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;careâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

mishaps that require the utmost care and expeditious service to those in great need. Volunteers are to be applauded for their valiant efforts. They do what they can to make a difference in their neck of the woods: volunteers who come together make a world of difference, volunteers are the best team members we have in our societies. Their goal is to make everybody win. We must recognize how truly precious our volunteers really are to us. We must realize that without our volunteers, there would be emptiness in many peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives. Volunteers are to be recognized and applauded during volunteer week. We look forward to taking that time to show their great accomplishments within the Fort Bliss community. Fort Bliss will recognize outstanding volunteers during Fort Bliss Volunteer Week April 21-27. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Volunteering: Strengthening the Nation!â&#x20AC;? For more information about Fort Bliss volunteer week activities, contact the Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps office at (915) 5694227 ext. 7 or fortblissvolunteer@yahoo.com.

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38 â&#x20AC;˘ Winter 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ ÂĄblissNOW!

www.blissmwr.com

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ÂĄblissNOW! â&#x20AC;˘ Winter 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ 39

Are you looking for a job? We can help!

The Employment Readiness Program offers a full schedule of classes and seminars designed to teach you the skills you need to get hired.

Fort Bliss Employment Readiness Program website: www.blissmwr.com/erp

EMPLOYMENT ORIENTATION Every Wednesday at 10am (Biggs Room) *Prior registration required

Please call (915) 569-5838 to register

Come see how the staff at the Employment Readiness Program and Workforce Solutions assist military family members reach their career goals!

25348

2013 Class Schedule

Basic Ten Steps to a Federal Job (McGregor Room) 9am to 12pm January 8 February 5 March 5 April 2 May 7 June 4 July 2 August 6 September 10 October 1 November 5 December 3

Writing a Winning Ace Your Next Résumé Job Interview

Networking for Job Search

(Beaumont Room) 9am to 12pm January 24 March 21 May 23 July 25 September 26 November 21

(Beaumont Room) 9am to 12pm February 7 April 4 June 6 August 1 October 3 December 5

Mobilize Your Home Business

Career Exploration Jumpstart Your Job Search & Planning

(McGregor Room) 9:30am to 12pm January 9 April 3 July 12 October 2

Employment Readiness Program Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road To register for any class, call (915) 569-5838 **Ask About Free Child Care Vouchers**

(Beaumont Room) 9am to 12pm January 10 March 7 May 9 July 11 September 12 November 7

(Beaumont Room) 9am to 12pm February 21 April 18 June 20 August 15 October 17

(McGregor Room) 9am to 12pm February 28 April 25 June 13 August 29 October 24

ACS Hiring Fairs

Working a Hiring Fair

(Centennial) 9am to 1pm February 14 August 15

1pm to 3pm January 10 (Patriot Hall) July 11 (Biggs Room)

community ACS

FORT BLISS & FAMILY AND MWR FACILITIES FRED WILSON RD SLICER AVE

48 23

JEB STUART RD

CARRINGTON

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BOEING DR

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AIRWAY BLVD

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CONVA

DICKMAN RD

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ASHBURN ST

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42 10

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El Paso International Airport

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PIA

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CARTER RD

PERSHING RD

LOCATIONS WITH WI-FI

TROWBRIDGE

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1 BUILDING LOCATIONS

CHAFFEE RD

PLEASONTON RD PLEASONTON RD

TAYLOR ST

DUDLEY ST

MILITARY GATES

MERRITT RD

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT MILITARY AREAS

HINMAN RD

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ID AN

EL PASO, TEXAS

CHAFFEE RD

CARTER RD

1 11 52 49

BUTTERFIELD TRAIL BLVD

REMAGEN GATE

14 2

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SLATER RD

DONIPHAN RD

CUSTER RD

16 5

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PERSHING GATE

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PERSHING RD

28 40 8

CASSIDY

SHERIDAN RD

(915) 569-5644 (915) 568-1890 (915) 742-2266 (915) 568-KIDS 568-1117 565-4100 568-2115 569-2331 533-1244 568-2121

ADAIR RD

STENNIS ST

FOUNDERS BLVD

(915) 568-4339 (915) 568-9699 (915) 730-9803 (915) 562-7467 (915) 562-5451 (915) 564-0009

PIKE RD

(915) 568-6923 (915) 742-3858 (915) 568-3264 (915) 568-5970 (915) 569-5449

CASSIDY GATE

Bridge to East Fort Bliss

HAAN RD

SCALES RD

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SHERIDAN GATE DYER ST

RUSSELL ST

26 17

PIKE RD

SHANNON VAN VALZAH RD

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AN PH RD

PIEDRAS ST

HAAN RD

ELM ST

COPIA ST

PIEDRAS ST

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McNAIR RD

Fort Bliss National Cemetery

ALABAMA ST

HAYES ST

EMERGENCY NUMBERS Fire Emergencies Housing Areas Military Police Ambulance Poison Information Information Operator

WORK AVE

(915) 568-2833 (915) 742-2121 (915) 569-2331 (915) 569-CARE (888) 874-9378 (915) 742-2483 (915) 564-0795 (915) 568-2898 (915) 565-7777 (915) 568-3035 (915) 568-1241 (915) 568-2892 (915) 569-6446 (915) 566-1133 (915) 568-7141 (915) 564-5275 (915) 568-6156 (915) 568-7318 (915) 568-5412 (915) 568-4518 (915) 568-7393 (915) 568-4374 (915) 562-4036 (915) 568-7506 (915) 568-1537 (915) 568-7431 (915) 568-7187 (915) 568-2178

VICTORY AVE

ALABAMA ST

(915) 568-3301 (915) 568-4849 (915) 562-8461 (915) 569-4227 (915) 568-7280 (915) 568-6272 (915) 630-8669 (915) 568-1519 (915) 568-5689 (915) 569-7199 (915) 568-6287 (915) 568-4022 (915) 568-5380 (915) 568-3500 (915) 569-5500 (915) 568-5563 PX: (915) 562-7200

NG HI RS R PE CI

500B Adjutant General 45 American Red Cross 7060 Armed Services YMCA 2494 Army Community Service Automotive Skills Center/Auto Crafts 820 Bowling Center/Desert Strike Lanes 2949 197 Car Wash 112 Chaplain 1730 Child Development Center, Main PIERCE AVE Child Development Center, Replica 5036 504B Civilian Personnel Office 1717 Commissary 250 Community Pool 11 Family and MWR Headquarters 250 Family Resilience Center 820 Framing Bliss Freedom Crossing Post Exchange, Grand Theatre Third-party Shops 1 18 Garrison Command BUREN AVE 7777 19VAN Hospital: WBAMC 7777 Information 7777 Ambulance MONROE AVE 7777 Appointments 7777 TRICARE Service Center 7777 Red Cross 1991 20 Housing: On-Post/Balfour Beatty 1741 21McKINLEY Housing: Off-Post AVE 1744 22 IHG Army Hotels at Fort Bliss 505 23 In-Processing/Welcome Center 8 24 Inspector General 2951 25 Ironworks Gym West 1611 26 ITR Kiosk at Freedom Crossing 1991 27 Kelly Park 113 28 Legal Assistance 1310 29 FORT Dunkin’BLVD Donuts 2 30 Mickelsen Community Library 2499 31 Milam Fitness Center 1735 32 Old Ironsides Museum 5054 33 Old Fort Bliss Replica 2968 34 Omar Bradley Softball Complex 1743 35 Parent Central/CYSS Registration 1733 36 Post Office 37 POV Car Resale Lot 1334 38 Recycling Center 5035 39 Replica Aquatic Center 131 40 SKIESUnlimited Gymnastic Center 2010 41 School-Age Center, Bliss 5037 42 School-Age Center, Replica 43 Soldier and Family Assistance Center 887 2496 44 Soldier and Family Medical Clinic 2930 45 Stout Physical Fitness Center 241 46 Survivor Outreach Services 262 47 Tennis Club & Fitness Zone Transportation ALTURA AVE 505 48 Inbound Transportation 503B 49 Outbound Transportation RICHMOND AVE 1717 50 Trading Post A Little Bit of Bliss Gift Shop Fort Bliss Thrift Shop Junior Enlisted Family Center Indoor Playground 2408 51 USO AURORA AVE 503A 52 Vehicle Registration 6077 53 Veterinary Services WHEELING AVE 195 54 Youth Services 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Telephone

Bldg.

FORT BLISS LEGEND

ALABAMA GATE

No. Organization

EARL H. BRUNS RD

CHAFFEE GATE

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FRED WILSON RD

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(915) 562-8442 (915) 744-8730 (915) 744-8087 (915) 744-8427 (915) 744-1711

11 School-Age Center, Milam 12 Soldier Activity Center BOSS Headquarters Cliffhanger Cafe ITR Leisure Travel Library Outdoor Recreation Unit Funds 13 Soto Physical Fitness Facility BOSS Headquarters Leisure Travel Services Unit Funds 14 Youth Activity Center, Milam 15 USO/FirstLight Federal Credit Union USO FirstLight Federal Credit Union 16 U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy AAFES SMA Bookstore

11284 11251 11388 11199

O IR

Biggs Express Biggs Gym Biggs Park Centennial Club Catering Dining Room Habanero Java Cafe Primo’s Express Takeout Orders Metro Bingo Bar 5 Child Development Center, East Bliss 6 Child Development Center, Milam 7 Community Center Troop Store 8 East Bliss Mini Mall 9 Ironworks Gym 10 Military Police Station

Telephone

STR

1 2 3 4

Bldg.

IRO

Organization

OLD

No.

family and mwrdirectory

ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE

Bldg. 2494 Ricker Road

(915) 568-1132

FAMILY RESILIENCE CENTER

Bldg. 250 Club Road

(915) 569-5500

SOLDIER AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER

Bldg. 887 Marshall Road

(915) 568-6923

SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES

Bldg. 241 Sheridan Road

(915) 568-5970

SOTO PFC

Bldg. 20751 Constitution Avenue, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-5788

STOUT PFC

Bldg. 2930 Cassidy Road

(915) 568-3264

MILAM PFC

Bldg. 2499 Cassidy Road

(915) 568-7318

LOGAN HEIGHTS PFC

Bldg. 4797 Ellerthorpe Road, Logan Heights

(915) 568-5198

BIGGS PFC

Bldg. 11251 Biggs Street, East Bliss

(915) 744-8730

IRONWORKS GYM - EAST

Bldg. T20700 Anzio Way, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-8697

IRONWORKS GYM - WEST

Bldg. 2951 Cramer Street

(915) 568-2892

TENNIS CLUB & FITNESS ZONE

Bldg. 262 Club Road

(915) 569-5449

REPLICA AQUATIC CENTER

Bldg. 5035 Dickman Road

(915) 568-7431

CENTENNIAL BANQUET AND CONFERENCE CENTER

Bldg. 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill Street, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-8427

UNDERWOOD GOLF COMPLEX & GOLDEN TEE

Bldg. 3193 Coe Avenue, Logan Heights

(915) 568-1059

DESERT STRIKE LANES

Bldg. 2949 Ricker Road

(915) 568-6272

FORT BLISS ROD & GUN CLUB

Bldg. 3730 Roy Johnson Lane, Northeast El Paso

(915) 565-4867

OLD FORT BLISS REPLICA

Bldg. 5054, Pershing Road & Pleasonton Road

(915) 568-4518

BIGGS PARK

Bldg. 11388 Sergeant Major Boulevard, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-8087

MICKELSEN LIBRARY

E-Wing, Basement, Bldg. 2 Pershing Circle

(915) 568-6156

RV PARK

Bldg. 4130 Ellerthorpe Road

(915) 568-0106

FRAMING BLISS

Bldg. 820 Marshall Road

(915) 568-5563

AUTOMOTIVE SKILLS CENTER

Bldg. 820 Marshall Road

(915) 568-7280

ITR/LEISURE TRAVEL - SOLDIER ACTIVITY CENTER

Bldg. 20237 Constitution Avenue, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-1522

ITR - FREEDOM CROSSING KIOSK

Freedom Crossing, Bldg. 1611 Marshall Road

(915) 569-6446

OUTDOOR REC - SOLDIER ACTIVITY CENTER

Bldg. 20237 Constitution Avenue, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-1532

SOLDIER ACTIVITY CENTER

Bldg. 20237 Constitution Avenue, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-1532

GYMS & FITNESS FACILITIES

FOOD, LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT

CHILD, YOUTH & SCHOOL SERVICES FACILITIES CYSS PARENT CENTRAL

Bldg. 1743 Victory Avenue

(915) 568-4374

CYSS PARENT CENTRAL SATELLITE OFFICE

Bldg. 503B Pershing Road

(915) 568-2146

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - EAST BLISS

Bldg. 20707 Kasserine Way, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-3731

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - LOGAN

Bldg. 3500 Ellerthorpe Road, Logan Heights

(915) 568-3989

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - MAIN

Bldg. 1730 Pleasonton Road

(915) 568-5689

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - MILAM

Bldg. 11896 Haan Road, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-7879

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - REPLICA

Bldg. 5036 Sheridan Road

(915) 569-7199

SCHOOL-AGE CENTER - BLISS

Bldg. 2012 Sheridan Road

(915) 568-2178

SCHOOL-AGE CENTER - LOGAN

Bldg. 3505 Ellerthorpe Road, Logan Heights

(915) 569-5784

SCHOOL-AGE CENTER - MILAM

Bldg. 11898 Haan Road, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-2274

YOUTHPLEX

Bldg. 195 Chaffee Road

(915) 568-5437

YOUTH ACTIVITY CENTER - MILAM

Bldg. 10960 Haan Road, East Fort Bliss

(915) 744-2278

SKIES Unlimited - Main

Bldg. 3508 Ellerthorpe Road, Logan Heights

(915) 569-7732

SKIES Unlimited - Gymnastic CENTER

Bldg. 131 Doniphan Road

(915) 568-5544

FAMILY CHILD CARE (FCC)

Bldg. 3503 Story Road, Logan Heights

(915) 568-4198

SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER

Bldg. 503B Pershing Road

(915) 569-5064

MORE FAMILY AND MWR PHONE NUMBERS DFMWR HEADQUARTERS

2nd Floor, Bldg. 11 Pershing Road

(915) 568-3500

UNIT FUNDS - SOLDIER ACTIVITY CENTER

Bldg. 20237 Constitution Avenue, East Fort Bliss

(915) 568-7506

VET SERVICES

Bldg. 6077 Carter Road

(915) 742-2266

46 • Winter 2013 • ¡blissNOW!

www.blissmwr.com

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID EL PASO, TX PERMIT #296

MWR Marketing Bldg 12, Pershing Rd. Fort Bliss, TX 79916

FREE T I With every NT

Le e

Tr ev in o

FULL E IC SERVDY

purch

BO OP SH

I-10 1490 LEE TREVINO

915-591-6100

WWW.ELPASOHONDA.COM

$500

see dealer for details

ca ase r

on any new car purchase

WE THANK & SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

Eligible U.S. Military personnel, including spouses, toward any new Honda vehicle when you use a valid Honda APR, Honda Leadership Lease(r) or Honda Leadership Purchase Plan(r) with HFS.

Military Discount %

on Parts & Service

OFFERS END SOON

Ap pl Cre y for ON d it L IN E!

HURRY IN AND SEE US TODAY! IN THE

EASY TO FIND NEAR FORT BLISS CALL FOR A FREE RIDE!

591-6100

LARGEST SELECTION

ALL PROTECTED UNDER A GIANT SHADE CANOPY